Subotić: Serbia and the Western Balkans should not count on EU leniency in the area of rule of law

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - In the current year, which marks the beginning of a new EU institutional cycle, greater EU commitment to Western Balkan issues can be expected, but one should not count on leniency in the area of rule of law, which is becoming increasingly important, believes Strahinja Subotić, a researcher at the Centre for European Policies (CEP).
 
He expects greater EU commitment to the Western Balkans given that the new "geopolitical" European Commission should act more seriously on Europe's geostrategic interests, which also include building stronger relations with the region.
 
Serbia, however, Subotić says, should not expect the EU to turn a blind eye to it during 2020, as the issue of rule of law is gaining more importance in the EU, which is clearly visible from an analysis of the priorities of the new Commission.
 
"In other words, although the EU is increasingly concerned about the influence of third actors in the Western Balkans, such as Russia and China, it does not need a new Hungary or Poland," Subotić said for EURACTIV.rs and Beta.
 
Asked what can be expected from the reform of the enlargement process advocated by French President Emmanuel Macron, Subotić said it is first necessary to determine to whom exactly this idea applies and in what way.
 
Subotić believes it is realistic to expect that during 2020, France will continue to insist on the necessity of reforming the enlargement policy and that one should not expect it to give up on this idea, despite opposition from a certain number of member states.
 
He also said it is in the interest of the Western Balkans to clearly state its position on this issue and to jointly enter into a constructive dialogue with EU institutions and member states.