There are always doubt when it comes to international law and international organizations or institutions which are supposed to implement the law and ensure that rule of law is at the top of priorities. It is understandable, as it is not an easy task to control every aspect and satisfy interests of each member state while being careful not to get trapped by anarchy. On the other hand, we need to be realistic and admit that rule of law is nowhere near its peak and there no equal opportunities for each individual to exercise its rights. The European Union is declining during the last decade, and even if it may not be the case in official records it is the case in human eyes and in perspective of its citizens, which is an issue that we should deal with as soon as possible. As the main objective of the EU should be equal treatments for all we should strive for equality and make clear distinction between its institutional goals and member states’ goals. We need to distinguish and seek for perfect balance between intergovernmental and supranational objectives in order to establish stable environment for all. Furthermore, another important notion that we need to advocate for is better approach for non-member states, as we can’t allow to push away non-members with wrong strategies.  

Opening chapters and fulfilling criteria in the European Union negotiations have been one of the main focus in the political progress of Western Balkan countries. Countries are aiming to coordinate the state of their progress with the criteria that EU has set, but deviations from the ideal model are more than present, and visible as well. When countries have a model to follow, it is quite simple to notice the amount of divergences that are putting a huge pause on any kind of progress. Western Balkan countries are lacking quality social policy, and the ones they are currently implementing are deviating from the goals that are set in Chapter 19 in the EU accession negotiations.

Kosovo is a small country, which in 2008 declared its independence.Kosovo is making efforts to become a respected partner in the international arena, as well as to become a full member of the European Union in the coming years, which is why the rule of law and justice are so important here. People in Kosovo support the foundations of democracy, such as freedom of assembly and speech, inclusion and equality, minority rights and other rights. Further efforts are needed to fight organized crime and corruption, and to build administrative capacity in law enforcement and the judiciary in order to make European perspectives a reality.

On 10th of July 2020, an online webinar was organised on the topic “Western Balkans' local authorities: EU accession & Berlin Process”.