5, The Western Balkans (Stabilization & State Building)

Question 1

1999 Stability Pact for Southeastern Europe

Answer 1

Launched after the Kosovo War, this pact recognized that the security of the EU is linked to the stability of the Balkans. It marked the shift from a policy of Containment to one of Integration.

Question 2

Stabilisation and Association Process (SAP)

Answer 2

Launched in 1999, the SAP is the EU’s specific policy framework for the Western Balkans. Unlike previous agreements, it focuses heavily on Regional Cooperation and Political Stability to address post-conflict challenges.

Question 3

Zagreb Summit (2000)

Answer 3

The ____ Summit was the first major summit between the EU and the Western Balkans. It introduced the CARDS financial assistance program focused on reconstruction and marked the start of the Member State Building era.

Question 4

Thessaloniki Summit (2003)

Answer 4

Summit produced the declaration that The future of the Balkans is within the European Union. This serves as the definitive political promise that officially opened the door for Western Balkan membership.

Question 5

Member State Building (Keil and Arkan)

Answer 5

This concept argues that the EU is not just integrating states but building them. Because states like Bosnia or Kosovo are contested or weak, the EU must build institutions like police and courts from the outside before the country can adopt EU law.

Question 6

Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA)

Answer 6

The SAA is the specific type of treaty signed with Western Balkan states. Signing an SAA requires strict political conditions, specifically full cooperation with the ICTY (War Crimes Tribunal) and adherence to regional peace deals like the Dayton Agreement.

Question 7

Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA)

Answer 7

The IPA replaced CARDS in 2007 as the financial tool for candidate countries. It links money to specific reform projects, such as building infrastructure or training judges, to help them meet accession criteria.

Question 8

Stabilitocracy (Bihep and Gafuri)

Answer 8

Stabilocracy refers to a regime that claims to be pro-European and maintains external Stability (like solving the Kosovo issue or stopping migrants) but governs Authoritatively at home. Critics argue the EU tolerates these regimes because it prioritizes Geopolitics over Democracy.

Question 9

Bilateral Disputes in the Balkans

Answer 9

The enlargement process is frequently blocked by vetoes unrelated to EU law. Key examples include Greece blocking Macedonia over its name, Slovenia blocking Croatia over a border dispute, and Bulgaria blocking North Macedonia over history and identity.

Question 10

State Capture (Richter and Wunsch)

Answer 10

State Capture occurs when a small group of elites hijacks state institutions for private gain. There is a paradox where EU funds unintentionally strengthen these elites, as they use the resources for patronage to stay in power.

Question 11

Civilian Power vs Normative Power in the Balkans

Answer 11

Civilian Power refers to using economic and diplomatic tools rather than military ones. Normative Power refers to shaping what is considered normal behavior (like abolishing the death penalty). In the Balkans, the EU tries to be Normative but often acts Geopolitically (Realpolitik).

Question 12

Ohrid Framework Agreement (2001)

Answer 12

This was a peace deal in North Macedonia brokered by the EU and NATO. It prevented civil war by granting greater rights to the Albanian minority and serves as an example of the EU acting as a stabilizer.

Question 13

Dayton Agreement (1995)

Answer 13

The Dayton Agreement ended the Bosnian War and created the complex constitution of Bosnia & Herzegovina. The EU requires adherence to Dayton as a strict condition for SAA and Membership.

Question 14

Visa Liberalization

Answer 14

Visa liberalization is a major carrot (reward) used by the EU to incentivize reform. Citizens of Serbia, Montenegro, and Macedonia received visa-free travel to the EU in 2009/2010, while Kosovo only received it in 2024.

Question 15

Berlin Process (2014)

Answer 15

The _____ Process is an intergovernmental initiative led by Germany to keep the Western Balkans engaged while enlargement was stalled. It focuses on Connectivity (Infrastructure, Youth Exchange) rather than high politics.