Call for Papers

Accelerating Integration: Governance, Law, and the EU Accession of the Western Balkans and Moldova

Submission Format: Blog Posts (1,200–2,000 words)

Submission Deadline: 06 March 2026

The European Union’s enlargement agenda has entered a phase of distinct urgency for the Western Balkans and Moldova. While the 2025 Enlargement Package provided a renewed roadmap, the focus has shifted from general political declarations to the granular, arduous work of structural harmonization. The previous broad geopolitical lens is now zooming in on the specific legal and administrative capacities required to close the gap between candidate status and full membership. We are seeking insightful, evidence-based analysis that moves beyond the general rhetoric of “European perspective.” We invite contributions that rigorously examine the mechanics of accession, particularly regarding the rule of law, administrative structures, and the constitutional adjustments necessary for EU integration.

We welcome submissions that address the following themes, specifically within the context of the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia) and Moldova:

1. The Mechanics of the “Fundamentals First” Approach

How is the new methodology impacting legislative output in reality? Beyond adopting the acquis, how are national courts and administrations building the capacity to enforce EU law? We are looking for analysis on judicial independence, the track record of high-level corruption prosecution, and the tangible implementation of fundamental rights legislation.

2. Constitutional and Legal Harmonization

Accession requires not just statutory changes but often constitutional overhauls to allow for the supremacy of EU law. What are the specific constitutional hurdles remaining in the WB countries and Moldova? How are legal systems adapting to the requirements of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) prior to accession?

3. Structural Governance and Public Administration Reform

Successful membership depends on a functioning public administration capable of managing EU funds and policies. In what state are the current civil service structures? Analysis should focus on depoliticization efforts, merit-based recruitment, and the administrative capacity to handle complex chapters such as agriculture, environmental protection, and competition policy.

4. The Montenegro 2028 Precedent and Regional Implications

With Montenegro aiming for a 2028 accession, is the institutional framework actually ready, or is this timeline outpacing administrative reality? How does the “Regatta Principle” (merit-based individual accession) interact with regional political pressure for “Package Deals”?

5. Institutional Representation and “Second-Tier” Membership

There is a growing debate regarding staged accession or gradual integration. For inspiration and framework please consult this article. From a legal and governance perspective, what would this look like? Would new members face long-term transitional periods regarding the free movement of labor or access to structural funds? How would this impact their voting rights and institutional weight within the Council?

Submission Guidelines

Selected contributions will be published on the LGSEE blog website. Authors may also be invited to present their work at upcoming workshops and conferences organized by the Rule of Law Programme South East Europe of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

Please send your full draft with your short CV (with a picture for the author’s profile, if wanted) to [email protected].

Detailed author’s guidelines are available here: https://lgsee.blog/submissions/information-for-authors/

Please notice that we accept only, at this point, articles submitted by professionals and academics with expertise and experience in the field.

Subject Line:” Submission: EU Accession Governance WB+Moldova”