Years of Broken EU Promises
The prospect of EU membership is a major driver of democratic and economic reform in the Balkans.
It’s brought jobs and relative wealth to a poor region. But 16 years after becoming an official candidate for membership, it remains unclear when North Macedonia and its 2 million people will be allowed to begin accession talks, let alone join Europe’s rich club. EU leaders are meeting in Slovenia to examine the fate of North Macedonia, and of Albania. But hopes for rapid progress are low.
