EU Enlargement through economic integration: an analysis of the “Growth Plan for the Western Balkans”

The paper explores the challenges and strategies in achieving economic convergence between the European Union (EU) and the Western Balkans, particularly considering the socio-economic impacts of the 2022 Russia-Ukraine war. The conflict significantly slowed the Western Balkans’ GDP growth, necessitating new fiscal measures and emphasizing the need for economic alignment with the EU.Economic convergence, crucial for EU membership, requires alignment with EU economic systems and structures, for its achievement functioning market economies and the ability to cope with competitive pressures are required. The EU’s “Growth Plan for the Western Balkans,” with a 6 billion budget for 2024-2027, aims to bridge economic gaps through economic integration. This includes investments in transportation and renewable energy. Despite challenges like political complexities and resistance to reforms, the plan is a crucial step towards regional development and EU integration.