The popularity of the EU in the Western Balkans is fading: Tirana and Skopje see the Russian ally, Vucic, as a partner

The European Union, which once seemed like a 'salvation' for the countries of the Western Balkans, has lost the trust of its citizens.

"Boomerang" writes that for most of the Balkan peoples, EU membership remains an elusive dream. In such conditions, countries have begun to look at other alternatives.

"North Macedonia and Albania see the Russian ally Serbia as a partner" , the article quotes.

The article says people in Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro have all become more vocal in their frustration this year as Europe grapples with the fallout from Russia's war in Ukraine and a crisis of the cost of living.

"The surveys in the last 18 months, both in our country and in the region, show a decline in support for the EU," North Macedonia's president, Stevo Pendarovski, said last week. Brussels is mainly to blame, he said, since "we objectively do not see the European integration process moving forward".

The EU is losing support in North Macedonia

Complaints have not only come from countries where the hope for EU membership remains strong. Even the European Parliament reprimanded the leaders of the bloc for not fulfilling the EU's long-standing promises.

"The EU's lack of commitment and credibility over the past few years has created a vacuum, thus opening up space for Russia, China and other malicious third actors," Pendarovksi said.

Being left out means being behind economically. The six Balkan countries that have not gained membership all had living standards below 50% of the bloc's average last year, while the 12 ex-communist states that have joined since 2004 exceeded that level.

North Macedonia, along with Albania, started membership talks in July, after 17 years of waiting in a tumultuous process.

Pasi ka tejkaluar atë pengesë, përparimi i saj ende ka ngecur për shkak të një grindjeje me fqinjin e saj, Bullgarinë, e cila po kërkon një ndryshim në kushtetutën e Maqedonisë së Veriut përpara se të vazhdojë me procesin e anëtarësimit.

Ndërsa është gjithashtu në harresë në lidhje me BE-në, Serbia ka dhënë një dorë, duke u përpjekur të rrisë ndikimin e saj në një rajon që dikur dominonte nga Beogradi përpara shpërbërjes së përgjakshme të Jugosllavisë.

Presidenti serb Aleksandar Vuçiç, i cili po dënon lidhjet e ngushta me Rusinë dhe dëshirën për t'u bashkuar me BE-në, ishte i pari që dërgoi vaksinat Covid-19 në Maqedoninë e Veriut dy vjet më parë.

Vucic is also pushing to strengthen the Open Balkans forum, which facilitates trade and travel and eases phone roaming charges. He argues that, without a clear target date for EU membership, the Balkan states should strengthen economic ties.

The EU has criticized the initiative, along with officials from several Balkan countries who have shied away from it. They worry that countries that fought to become independent from each other in the 1990s may lose focus on accession.