ACCESSION BEFORE MEMBERSHIP
CRM Week in Belgrade: Civil society has made a significant contribution to the Berlin Process
October 23, 2024
With EU accession for the South East Europe candidate countries on track for 2030, integrating the region into EU policy-making prior to its membership helps de-dramatize the enlargement process, enhances preparedness for both the EU and SEE6, and strengthens European cohesion, competitiveness and resilience.
The 10th Tirana Connectivity Forum emphasized the urgent need for SEE6 countries to immediately access EU policies toolbox in order to speed up and balance their integration into the EU economy and deliver real benefits to SEE6 citizens.
An early and gradual SEE6 access to the EU Cohesion Policy toolbox before full EU membership will enhance SEE6 preparedness, promote a speedier SEE6 convergence and reinforce EU conditionality. Including the region into the EU Competitiveness strategy will consolidate EU strategic autonomy, directly benefit many EU sectors and economic actors, as well as the SEE6 economy itself.
This working paper endeavors to bring the SEE6 region into the ongoing EU debates on EU Competitiveness and EU Cohesion policies. A more comprehensive document will be published by the end of 2024.
