The European Union is promising again, and the Western Balkans are still waiting! At the European Council summit on June 26 and 27 in Brussels, marking 40 years of the Schengen Agreement, the EU once again confirmed that the future of the Western Balkans lies within its ranks. But let’s be real — how many times has this future been promised and never delivered?
While the EU talks about “gradual integration” and “merit-based reforms,” the region remains stuck in place. The draft conclusions of the summit emphasize that the enlargement process is reversible, meaning: if you don’t play by the rules, the door can be slammed shut at any moment.
Although cooperation with the Western Balkans is “close,” true integration is still far away. Is this just another political phrase or a real commitment?
Meanwhile, the President of the European People’s Party, Manfred Weber, throws a new idea into the ring — forming a European cyber brigade! Yes, you read that right. While the Western Balkans wait for their place in the EU, the EU is preparing to defend itself from cyber attacks with a joint military unit in cyberspace.
Weber pointed out that the EU currently has no formal military unit for cyber defense, but the goal is to pool national resources and strengthen capabilities. Sounds like the EU has time for a cyber brigade but not for fast integration of the Western Balkans.
So, while the EU boasts about its plans and strategies, the Western Balkans remain in limbo, with promises repeated for decades. Is this really the future or just another political show?
If you have thoughts on this, or maybe a good joke about endless EU promises, feel free to share — maybe we all need a laugh while waiting for miracles from Brussels!
