A new BiEPAG analysis by Jovana Marović and Odeta Barbullushi calls on the European Union to turn accession treaties into robust instruments for reform and accountability, rather than pursuing solutions that lead to limited, “lighter,” or second-tier forms of membership. The authors warn that an approach which keeps Western Balkan countries at the margins of integration risks creating a new divide—from the periphery of Europe to the periphery of the European Union itself—and would thus contribute to further weakening the EU instead of the much-needed strengthening of its political and institutional cohesion.
Among the key recommendations are the integration of existing instruments directly into accession treaties, a stronger linkage between reforms and financial support, the introduction of clear and automatic safeguard mechanisms based on measurable results, and the preservation of full political equality for future member states.