Croatia, Macedonia and the EU: Setting the Bar Too High?

Notes internacionals CIDOB, núm. 8

The outcome of the European Council in December 2009, when the EU Heads of state will gather, could result in a significant step forward towards EU integration for Croatia and Macedonia. It could also represent an important signal for other Western Balkan countries. Critical issues in both countries touch upon cross-cutting concerns such as inter-ethnic coexistence and bilateral disputes which delay EU integration. Citizens in the Western Balkans closely watch developments towards European integration for the region’s two most advanced countries. While a significant step forward – such as opening EU accession negotiations with Macedonia – would be a positive sign, on the other hand, any further deadlock after the December Council meeting could have unfavourable consequences for the region as a whole.

A new drive for Macedonia and Croatia in 2010?

Macedonia

In its 2009 progress report on Macedonia, for the first time, the European Commission has recommended the start of negotiations for EU membership on the basis of progress made in a number of key areas. This has been the most positive recommendation that Macedonia has received from the Commission since it became a candidate for entry in 2005.(...)