The amicable relationship between the Balkans and Western partners runs deep, yet efforts for reform continue to yield little positive change. One reason for this is the prioritization of enforcement optics and crackdowns on corruption over legal safeguards.

Tensions are being ramped up in Kosovo and upcoming elections in Serbia on December 17 represent another potential escalation.

Slovenia and Croatia’s border spat over the Bay of Piran doesn’t bode well for EU-directed conflict resolution in the Balkans.