This discussion paper argues that successful economic and democratic transformation of the Western Balkans depends not only on a more coherent political engagement of the EU and its member states with the region, but also on a more effective use of the full range of tools within the enlargement policy toolbox.

It is often said that Sino-Serbian cooperation is only about the economy, yet, this infographic shows that Serbia has utilised its foreign policy as a tool to generate trust with China. Consequently, this is one of the key aspects that is hurting Serbia’s obligations towards the EU.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative goes beyond economics. The infographic presents the security component of Sino-Serbian cooperation. Where does China rank in terms of donations to Serbia’s Ministry of Defence? How did the political betterment of relations lead towards an upward trend in security cooperation?

Analysis of the 2020 European Commission Report for Serbia, which covers the period between April 2019 and September 2020.

If the EU does not count the Balkan countries among the stakeholders who should participate, in some form, in the upcoming Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE), then one has to wonder whether the Union is still serious about the European perspective of the region.

The German Presidency of the Council of the EU takes place against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the EU, along with the rest of the world, needs quick and bold action to adapt to the resulting tectonic changes. These circumstances have pushed Germany to lead the Union across the Rubicon in regard to the future of the European project.

The beginning of this year promised to reset the sluggish dynamics of Serbia’s EU accession path. Following the EU’s endorsement of the revised enlargement methodology, however, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the focus of the relationship between Serbia and the EU to economic recovery and questions of solidarity. Hence, the long-awaited EU-Western Balkans Summit which took place on 6 May 2020 has also adjusted its format and declaration to respond to these unprecedented times.

Throughout the COVID19 pandemic, 16 countries have sent assistance to Serbia. To see a full list of donors and a timeline of their assistance, check out this infographic.

This policy brief underscores outstanding issues that emerged during the COVID-19 crisis with possible long-term consequences on the functioning of democracy and rule of law in the six countries of the Western Balkans – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU has prepared a large financial package for the Western Balkans. This infographic untangles what it consists of and how is it distributed among the regional partners.