Making the EU and member states policy towards the Western Balkans socio-economically more sustainable
Making the EU and member states policy towards the Western Balkans socio-economically more sustainable
ÖGfE Policy Briefs
March 9, 2023
By Dominic Maugeais
Policy Recommendations
- Promote circular migration to ensure retransfer of know-how and human capital to the region.
- Reinforce the social dimension of the enlargement policy.
- Ensure a credible enlargement perspective to improve the social and economic development outlook.
Abstract
This Policy Brief claims that the socio-economic policy of the European Union (EU) towards the Western Balkans is not sustainable. Labour migration from the region to the EU-27 represents a double-edged sword for the Western Balkans. EU member states’ policies should align with the overall EU goal to promote social and economic development in the Western Balkans. Therefore, circular migration should be promoted to ensure retransfer of know-how and human capital. The social dimension of the enlargement policy should be strengthened to improve the working and living conditions in the region. Finally, a credible enlargement perspective should be ensured to improve the overall social and economic development outlook.