Evangelia Akritidou
(RIEAS Senior Analyst)
Copyright: @ 2026 Research Institute for European and American Studies (www.rieas.gr) Publication date: 11 August 2026
Note: The article reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily the views of the Research Institute for European and American Studies
Introduction
Europe has rediscovered the Western Balkans. What was long treated as a slow and largely technical enlargement process has returned to the geopolitical agenda. Russia's war against Ukraine, growing instability across Europe's southern neighbourhood and renewed debates over European defence have reminded policymakers that the continent's security will also be shaped by developments beyond the EU's current borders. Enlargement is therefore increasingly understood not simply as an institutional process, but as an investment in Europe's long-term security.... Read more