Analysis of the Political Aspects of the European Integrations Perspectives for Balkan Countries

Since 2000 perspectives of European integration for the West Balkan countries became realistic. Long period of conflicts was finally behind and through Pact for Stability in South-East Europe the EU tries to provide political and other assistance for affected countries. The main goal is their candidate status and prospectively EU membership. Not all of these countries had the same history of accession to the EU. Moreover, their problems and obstacles are not always the same. But some common main lines may be identified. Different to the new EU member states, for West Balkan countries the EU established a set of special conditions for their European integrations. Although accession process is mainly politically coloured, political aspects or criteria became main condition or obstacle for some or most of the west Balkan countries. Since the economic crisis jeopardizes the stability of the EU, the enthusiasm for accession of new members falls. For the time being, only one country has secured EU perspective.