How structural reforms and European integration can help aid the convergence of Western Balkan states with the EU

Six states in the Western Balkans – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia – have aspirations to join the European Union. These six states have implemented policies aimed at developing convergence with the EU in terms of their political systems, their economies, and their compatibility with EU law (the acquis communautaire).

Fatmir Besimi presents a comprehensive analysis of the progress of both these states and the states that have joined the EU since 2004. He highlights three key conclusions:

+ that convergence is a persistent and stable long-term process;
+ that structural reforms have a positive impact on convergence;
+ that EU membership enhances convergence.