As the European Union once again frames enlargement as a geopolitical necessity, the countries of the Western Balkans are balancing between reform efforts, internal challenges, and occasional tensions. In this context, the RCC continues to connect the region through concrete initiatives aimed at a common market and greater stability.
In an interview with EUpravo, Amer Kapetanović emphasises that European integration is once again being seriously discussed in Brussels, but also that the region must show greater political maturity and reform continuity. He speaks about tangible progress, current challenges, the potential of the Growth Plan, and the messages that both the Western Balkans and the EU should exchange now that the issue of enlargement is receiving renewed attention. He begins with an overview of how much closer the Western Balkans are to EU membership today compared to five years ago.
"I would say the region is closer to membership today than it was five years ago, but still not close enough to say we can clearly see the finish line. We are closer in the sense that the European perspective of the Western Balkans has finally returned to the agenda in Brussels, not just as a political slogan, but as part of concrete initiatives like the EU Growth Plan for the region. That plan, worth around 6 billion euros, not only encourages reforms but also opens access to parts of the single market – something unimaginable until recently.
In the meantime, some countries have opened accession negotiations or begun the screening process – these are concrete steps forward. The opening and closing of chapters, alignment of legislation with the EU acquis – these are formal indicators of progress toward EU membership. And that matters.
But the truth is, the process remains slow, fragmented, and too often dependent on internal political calculations and the broader geopolitical climate. While some EU member states have rediscovered the importance of enlargement, others remain cautious. On the other hand, the region itself must demonstrate more maturity, consistent reform efforts, and mutual solidarity.
Despite this, we cannot ignore the fact that today, the region is seriously discussing topics that were considered mere rhetoric just a decade ago – a single market, digital integration, green transition, alignment with European standards in investment, energy, and migration. We have made progress. Perhaps not at a gallop, but certainly in the right direction. And what matters to me personally: we are no longer talking about the EU merely as a goal, but as a process that unfolds every day – through reforms, cooperation, and tangible changes on the ground."
Do you believe there is genuine political and societal consensus on European integration in the region?
“There is certainly societal consensus. Our latest Balkan Barometer, the public opinion survey we conduct annually, shows that as many as 82 percent of Western Balkan citizens support regional cooperation. At the same time, more than half believe that EU membership would benefit their economy, education, and security. These are powerful messages.
Political consensus, however, is often fragmented and conditioned by internal dynamics and relationships. There are moments when it seems that political elites speak the ‘European language’ only in Brussels, while back home they sink into day-to-day politics and rhetoric from the past. Nevertheless, I believe that a genuine European orientation exists. It may not always be expressed through grand political gestures, but it is certainly present in the practical need for the region to be part of a larger, more stable, and fairer system.”
The RCC has been actively preparing the Western Balkans for membership for years through the Common Regional Market, green and digital agendas. What are the most important achievements so far?
“The Common Regional Market is still under construction, but its value lies in the process itself, which is gradually bringing us closer to the EU single market by removing internal regional barriers. The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), together with partners and governments in the region, is working on the second phase of the plan for building the Common Regional Market for the period 2025–2028.
We are already seeing concrete results: thanks to the regional roaming agreement, mobile internet usage has increased by up to 459 percent. New regional standards for monitoring foreign direct investments have been introduced. Roaming between the EU and the Western Balkans is now up to 99 percent cheaper for data – a tangible benefit for citizens. Four mobility-related agreements have been signed – including travel with ID cards and recognition of diplomas and qualifications. All this shows that the region is already functioning as a space of cooperation.”
How would you assess the readiness of the countries to integrate into the EU single market?
“There is readiness, but also real obstacles. A prerequisite for joining the EU single market is the creation of our own Common Regional Market. It serves as a trial version of EU rules. If we can't implement them among ourselves, it will be difficult to apply them in the much more complex EU environment.
But there are bright spots. For example, four out of six economies in our region are now integrated into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). These represent massive, million-euro savings for our economies. That’s what we aim for. The Regional Cooperation Council identifies good examples and works to regionalise them, so they don’t remain isolated successes.”
How does the RCC view the implementation of the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans?
“As the most important development opportunity for the region in this decade. The EU Growth Plan doesn’t just bring funding; it also involves reforms that will bring the region much closer to the EU than previous instruments did. What is key is that the Growth Plan opens the door to accessing parts of the single market – the digital space, transport networks, energy – provided that rules are aligned and obligations fulfilled.
For the RCC, this is a chance to accelerate the implementation of all components of the Common Regional Market, and also to offer additional tools for monitoring progress, analysing obstacles, and promoting success stories. Because for the EU – and for us as well – results will be the strongest argument for enlargement.”
How willing are countries in the region to truly cooperate?
“More than it may appear from the outside. In my work, I have the chance to speak daily with people from across the region, including politicians. Although there are some bilateral disputes, even occasional tensions, when they sit at the same table, people from administrations, ministries, and the business sector want to cooperate. In that sense, there is a quiet but stable professional consensus that without cooperation, there is no progress.
Cooperation happens in practical matters: when software from one economy works in another; when students have their degrees recognised; when companies receive information on where they can invest without obstacles. These may be small steps, but they make a real difference.”
What is your message to the citizens of the region, and to EU leaders, at this crucial moment for enlargement?
“Our Balkan Barometer shows that 77 percent of Western Balkan citizens believe that what connects us is far more important than what divides us. So, citizens already know what matters. I can only say they should continue to believe in the core of the European project – peace, stability, cooperation, and freedom. I know they are often disappointed, mostly with how slow the process is, but they should know that battles are being fought behind the scenes every day to ensure this region is not forgotten.
To EU leaders – and citizens – my message is this: the Western Balkans have always been, and will continue to be, part of the European story. We are not an addition – we are part of the whole. If enlargement truly is a geopolitical necessity, as is increasingly said today, then there must be political courage to translate that into concrete steps.
The Regional Cooperation Council will continue to be here to connect, bring people together, and create space for dialogue and joint solutions. Because if we’ve learned anything over the past ten years, it’s that the future of the region is only possible if it’s a shared one.”
(EUpravo zato)
