November 09, 2019

The Norwegian model for Balkan region instead of EU enlargement

topic:	Economy
located:	Denmark, Netherlands, Macedonia, The former Yugoslav Republic of, Albania, France, China
editor:	Katarina Panić

France’s President Emmanuel Macron blocked the opening of accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania with the support of Denmark and the Netherlands.

The decision has shocked not only the Balkan region but many working with the European Union. It provoked headlines such as a “grave historical mistake”, “destructive politics”, “a blow to the EU credibility”, “historical failure to act responsibly”, “strong regret”, “wrong signal”, “risk of destabilization”, “reckless experiment” and a “strategic fault”.

The promise made by the EU to the Balkan countries in Thessaloniki in 2003 – that the EU is not complete without the Balkans – has failed since the message is undoubtedly clear for all non-member states.

“If you’re concerned about this region, the first question is neither North Macedonia nor Albania, it’s Bosnia and Herzegovina - the time-bomb that’s ticking right next to Croatia, and which faces the problem of returning jihadists,” Macron told The Economist this week. The Muslim-majority country replied that France had a bigger problem with Islamists than Bosnia did.

The EU enlargement issue also expanded the list of topics that France and Germany already disagree on, such as the banking union, the EU reform, and Brexit.

While Macron believes that EU enlargement is opposite to real integration and the whole process must be reformed before allowing any country in, those who campaign for it say France is gambling with the EU’s remaining influence on its own doorstep.

They believe France risks severe destabilisation in the region and encourages political adventurism and insecurity in the EU’s neighbourhood – opening space for a growing external influence, mostly from Russia, Turkey, and China.

The meeting of the European Council next month should discuss the future of enlargement. The new approach could be “a privileged special partnership” or “enlargement light” instead of a full membership, but it is more likely it is going to be the so-called “Norwegian model” which means being a member of the European Economic Area.