Preliminary communication
https://doi.org/10.46458/27121097.2023.29.45
EU ACCESSION PROCESSES AND CANDIDATE STATUS – OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH? – CASE OF WESTERN BALKAN COUNTRIES
Jelena Jurić
orcid.org/0000-0002-2731-059X
; Faculty of Economics, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Marko Barbarić
orcid.org/0000-0003-3032-0964
; Faculty of Economics, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Nikola Škobić
orcid.org/0009-0002-9170-4099
; Faculty of Economics, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Abstract
The EU accession is a common and one of the most important goals of the Western Balkan countries. Considering the different and often complex situation in these countries, the accession process is an important step that encourages necessary democratic and economic reforms. The accession process is a long-term and complex procedure involving numerous stages and procedures. One of the more significant steps, obtaining candidate status, represents a significant progress, particularly for the small Western Balkan countries. Bosnia and Herzegovina gained candidate status as late as 2021, unlike other Western Balkan countries, so the potential effects on the BiH economy can only be anticipated.
The aim of this study was to analyse the potential relation between reforms during EU accession process and the gaining the candidate status in Western Balkan countries with indicators of economic growth. Results indicate that structural reforms in Western Balkan countries are still insufficient and slow to have a positive impact on economic growth. Furthermore, the acquisition of candidate status does not have a significant effect on economic growth.
Keywords
EU; candidate status; Western Balkans; economic growth; structural reforms
Hrčak ID:
313570
URI
Publication date:
28.12.2023.
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