The Regional Cooperation of the Western Balkans and the Challenges on the Path of Integration in the European Union

This paper aims to highlight the importance of regional cooperation in the Western Balkan countries and the difficulties on the path to European Union integration. The objectives of the study are to emphasize the advantages of regional collaboration; the aspiration of the Western Balkan nations to join the EU as a catalyst for cooperation by opening up fresh avenues for political, social, and economic advancement; initiatives, processes, and agreements are undertaken under the auspices of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Commission for co-operation between them and preparation for EU integration; as well as obstacles and challenges to effective regional cooperation in the Western Balkans. The research method is based on Desk research and includes the study of literature, analysis, and monitoring conducted by independent institutions and bodies on regional cooperation and integration and integration into the European Union. Membership in the European Union as a common goal of the Western Balkan countries has promoted the whole Region for economic, social progress, and regional stability. Greater economic cooperation between the countries of the Western Balkans could be one of the main sources of economic growth in the coming years. The methods of regional cooperation have been the subject of frequent criticism by the governments of individual countries, which considered them arbitrary and unrelated to their reality. The situation created after the Russian attack on Ukraine has made all countries, regions, and international structures re-evaluate the aspects of economic development, political, social, local, regional, and global security.   Received: 26 September 2022 / Accepted: 29 November 2022 / Published: 20 December 2022