Last December's EU Council vote on welcoming Bulgaria, Croatia, and Romania to the border-free Schengen zone was supposed to be a victorious moment for the bloc. Showing unity after a year of political and economic hardship, as well as highlighting that the bloc still had the political capacity to further integrate Balkan states into the European project.
Although Croatia brought in the new year by joining both the eurozone and Schengen zone one month after their Enjoy access to all articles and 25 years of archives, comment and gift articles. Become a member for as low as €1,75 per week.To read this story, log in or subscribe
Cameron MacBride is a junior fellow with the European Stability Initiative (ESI). His primary focus is on contemporary politics in the Western Balkans, the ongoing EU integration of the region, as well as regionalist and separatist movements.
Cameron MacBride is a junior fellow with the European Stability Initiative (ESI). His primary focus is on contemporary politics in the Western Balkans, the ongoing EU integration of the region, as well as regionalist and separatist movements.