On Gradual Integration: Bringing in WB6 peoples and territories

Gradual Integration (GI) represents a pragmatic approach to EU Enlargement, enabling Western Balkan 6 (WB6) countries to engage in specific EU policies and sectors before full membership while maintaining strict conditionality. By facilitating access to the Single Market, key sectors, and EU policies, GI offers tangible benefits to WB6 economies and citizens. However, its success hinges on ensuring that interim steps remain firmly anchored to full membership, avoiding excessive institutional complexity while addressing the region’s pressing development needs. As the EU navigates geopolitical shifts, GI must serve as both an accelerator and a bridge—advancing integration while upholding the transformative power of Enlargement.

In this commentary, we tackle the implications of Gradual Integration and explain the benefits of WB6 accession in EU policy making processes and respective instruments before membership.