Balkan Non-EU Countries: Achieving and Maintaining the EU Standard of Living

The question of whether Balkan non-EU countries, such as Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, and others, can achieve the same standard of living as EU member nations, particularly Hungary and Greece, is complex and multifaceted. This article explores the challenges and potential paths for these countries to integrate and thrive within the European Union.

Membership as a Prerequisite

The European Union (EU) membership is a significant goal for many Balkan countries, although it requires substantial effort and commitment. As Romania and Bulgaria have shown, achieving full membership allows countries to bridge the living standard gap with existing EU members.

Without a comprehensive and in-depth commitment to reforms, especially in governance and transparency, Balkan countries may find themselves falling behind their EU counterparts. Projections indicate that in 10 years, these countries would have half the GDP per capita of their EU neighbors, indicating the urgent need for proactive measures to align with EU standards.

Alternative Options for Cooperation

Alternative pathways to cooperation and development include various forms of association without formal EU membership. However, these options are often less advantageous. Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino, for example, enjoy close ties with neighboring EU states but do not face the same integration challenges as larger Balkan countries.

Exploring Potential for Balkan Countries

Serbia has the potential to achieve a living standard similar to Hungary and Greece, but major changes must be implemented. Albania and North Macedonia, while capable, have a lower potential for economic advancement.

A notable exception is Romania and Bulgaria, which demonstrated that membership is not imperative if a country is willing to make significant changes. Romania, for example, has caught up with Greece and is on track to surpass it in the coming years, showcasing the potential for Balkan countries to achieve the EU standard of living through determined policy reform.

Public Support and Political Will

Public opinion in Serbia, for instance, has shifted, with support for EU membership dropping significantly in recent years to around 20–30%. This underscores the importance of political will and public support in achieving membership. However, maintaining statehood without EU membership is feasible, demonstrating that member status is not an absolute necessity.

Comparing EU Microstates and Non-Member Countries

While some countries like Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the Holy See enjoy close ties with the EU, they are not in the same category as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or the United Kingdom. The latter three have chosen to remain outside the EU due to the financial and political benefits they gain from their current arrangements.

However, for smaller and less developed Balkan countries, the benefits of EU membership are undeniable. They can enhance their economic growth, reduce corruption, and improve governance. The case of Ireland, another non-EU member, is illustrative: after gaining independence, joining the EU, and participating in the eurozone, Ireland transformed from a poor nation into one of the wealthiest in the EU.

Conclusion

For Balkan non-EU countries, the path to achieving the EU standard of living is fraught with challenges but not impossible. Sustainable economic development and significant political reforms are essential. While full EU membership is the most advantageous, it is not the only viable option. Countries like Serbia, with proper reforms, have the potential to catch up with EU member states. The experiences of Romania and Bulgaria further demonstrate that significant changes can lead to substantial improvements in the living standard, even without formal EU membership.