Iceland’s refusal to resume negotiations for joining the European Union represents a failure for Brussels, but not one that immediately threatens the European expansion strategy. The real stake is in the Western Balkans, where Montenegro and Albania have made significant progress and are waiting for the reforms required by the EU to be followed by a clear perspective of accession, according to an analysis by TVP World.
Iceland’s refusal to resume negotiations for accession to the European Union represents a failure for Brussels, but not one that immediately threatens the European expansion strategy. The real challenge lies in the Western Balkans, where Montenegro and Albania have made significant progress and are waiting for the reforms required by the EU to be followed by a clear perspective of accession.
In Saturday’s referendum in Iceland, 52.8% of voters voted against the resumption of the accession process, while 47.2% supported this option. Voter turnout was 82.5%. A European diplomat described the result to Reuters as a “clear failure for Brussels.”
The assessment is justified, however, the referendum result says relatively little about the fundamental attractiveness of the European Union. Iceland is already strongly integrated into the European system, and the rejection of resuming negotiations does not cause major immediate disruptions.
On the other hand, the situation is different in the Western Balkans, where the prospect of accession can transform institutions, strengthen reformers, and reduce the influence of external powers. If Brussels does not keep its promises in this region, the consequences could be much more significant.
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