Accession process of the European Union and the cases of Western Balkan states

This thesis explores the legal dimensions of the European Union's enlargement process, particularly underscoring the pivotal role of the rule of law, within the context of the accession of Western Balkan countries. Our study illustrates a comprehensive evaluation of pre- accession frameworks, accession negotiations, and institutional adaptations, highlighting how the EU systematically employs conditionality and differentiation to uphold legal principles. The findings emphasize the dual challenges and opportunities introduced by the EU's enlargement strategies, underlining the need for a flexible legal structure that accommodates the wide-ranging purposes of both member states and candidate states. The principal importance of the rule of law in promoting democratic governance and safeguarding judicial independence in candidate countries, notably within the Western Balkans, serves as a key tenet for the European integration process. By contributing to the broader academic discourse on EU enlargement, our research offers valuable perspectives and practical recommendations aimed at fostering stability, prosperity, and democratic values across the enlarging Union.