The perils of ‘pro-EU’ Euroscepticism in the Western Balkans : Analysis

Attitudes towards joining the European Union in Western Balkan candidate states have declined in recent years. In countries like Serbia and North Macedonia, the desire for EU accession has dropped significantly. One reason for this shift is the emergence of anti-EU sentiments within parts of civil society that traditionally supported European integration. These groups are advocating for alternative approaches, such as prioritizing regional integration over EU accession, citing issues like delays in the accession process and concerns over national sovereignty. However, promoting regional integration as a precondition for EU membership risks indefinitely delaying accession and fostering Euroscepticism. Furthermore, claims that EU enlargement empowers autocratic forces or hinders national sovereignty are gaining traction in the region, echoing pro-Kremlin narratives. While it is valid to critique the EU’s shortcomings, embracing Euroscepticism and undermining the accession process could jeopardize the stability and geopolitical alignment of Western Balkan countries. In light of current global challenges, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, maintaining a path towards EU membership offers greater geopolitical stability than aligning with other powers like Russia or China. Civil society actors in the region should carefully consider the implications of diverting from the EU accession process and the potential consequences of alternative geopolitical alignments.

Analysis:
The article discusses the decline in support for European Union (EU) accession in Western Balkan candidate states like Serbia and North Macedonia due to emerging anti-EU sentiments within civil society. The sources appear credible as they mention specific countries and provide reasoning for the shift in attitudes. There is a potential bias towards supporting EU enlargement, as the article emphasizes the risks of promoting alternative approaches like regional integration over EU membership, framing them negatively as potentially fostering Euroscepticism and echoing pro-Kremlin narratives.

The presentation of facts is clear, highlighting concerns over delays in the accession process, national sovereignty, and the potential empowerment of autocratic forces. However, the article could benefit from a more nuanced discussion of the reasons behind the anti-EU sentiments and include perspectives from different stakeholders to provide a balanced view.

In the context of the political landscape and the prevalence of fake news, such articles may influence the public perception by framing the debate around EU accession as a binary choice between EU alignment and aligning with other powers like Russia or China. This simplistic framing could polarize opinions and hinder constructive dialogue on the benefits and drawbacks of EU membership.

Overall, the article provides a compelling argument for the importance of maintaining a path towards EU membership for Western Balkan countries to ensure geopolitical stability. However, a more balanced exploration of the underlying reasons for the decline in support for EU accession and a consideration of alternative perspectives could enhance the depth of the analysis and foster a more informed discussion on the topic.

Source: Aljazeera news: The danger of ‘pro-EU’ Euroscepticism in the Western Balkans