EU Must Address Balkan Challenges, Says Expert at 2BS Forum

At the recent 2BS Forum held in Budva, Edvard P. Joseph, a lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, emphasized that the European Union (EU) must take a proactive role in addressing the situation in the Western Balkans. He stated that if the EU aspires to be a significant player on the global stage, it must prioritize its involvement in this region. Joseph highlighted the critical importance of Montenegro’s potential EU membership, which he believes carries significant implications for both the country and the Union.

Joseph argued that Montenegro holds the primary responsibility for implementing necessary reforms, enhancing political culture, and demonstrating unity among its populace. He underscored the EU’s need to act decisively in the Balkans, particularly in light of ongoing global challenges. “The reality is that in that part of Europe, the EU depends on the United States,” he said, acknowledging the complex interplay of international relations affecting the region’s stability.

EU’s Role and Responsibilities in the Balkans

Joseph criticized the EU’s current approach towards the Western Balkans, asserting that it has not done enough to engage with the region. “The Balkans have never been high enough on the EU’s priority list, and that is a significant mistake,” he stated. He pointed out that the EU’s responsibility is heightened by the fact that the Balkans are an integral part of Europe. He lamented the EU’s overreliance on the United States to address severe crises in the area, such as the ongoing situation in Ukraine.

Referring to the mass protests in Serbia, Joseph framed these events as a matter of governmental accountability to citizens, which aligns with fundamental European values. He noted that the EU has, at times, undermined the interests of the Western Balkans, citing France’s imposition of additional demands on North Macedonia after its name change as a prime example of inadequate responses from EU member states.

When asked whether the Western Balkans represent a test for the EU and an opportunity to assert itself on the international stage, Joseph affirmed this notion. He argued that the EU’s stated desire for “strategic autonomy” is undermined if it cannot resolve issues within its own backyard. “If you want to be independent, yet remain dependent on the U.S. at home, that’s contradictory,” he remarked.

Challenges and Prospects for Montenegro

Discussing Montenegro’s EU membership, Joseph characterized it as a vital step not only for Montenegro but also for the broader EU framework. He expressed optimism that Montenegro would eventually join the EU, although he acknowledged the unpredictable nature of political dynamics. “The greatest responsibility lies with Montenegro itself—to implement reforms, raise the level of political culture, and demonstrate unity,” he emphasized.

Joseph also addressed Serbia’s influence in Montenegro, suggesting that President Aleksandar Vučić perceives Montenegro’s EU accession as a threat rather than a benefit. He compared Vučić’s perspective to that of Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding Ukraine’s EU aspirations. “If the Serbian authorities were genuinely pro-Western, they would view Montenegro’s EU membership as a positive development,” Joseph noted.

He concluded by underscoring the importance of the EU taking responsibility for the situation in the Western Balkans. The current circumstances in Serbia present both a challenge and an opportunity for the EU to demonstrate its commitment to European values and regional stability. Joseph’s remarks at the forum highlight the urgent need for a coherent and robust EU strategy in the Balkans, where the stakes are high, and the path forward remains uncertain.