Green EU Integration: The Role of the Green Agenda in Accelerating Just Green Transitions in the Western Balkans

This chapter examines the political dimension of the Western Balkans' transition to a carbon-free economy, emphasising the EU's Green Agenda for the Western Balkans as both a framework for environmental reform and a geopolitical tool. Introduced in 2020 as part of the EU Green Deal, the Agenda aligns the region with EU standards, strengthening political and institutional convergence despite ongoing accession challenges. It highlights the interplay between domestic political dynamics, governance deficiencies, and EU conditionality in shaping progress on renewable energy, climate adaptation, and regulatory alignment. While the Agenda enhances EU influence in a geopolitically contested region, significant obstacles remain. These include coal dependency, weak governance structures, and resistance from entrenched interests. Furthermore, societal transition fatigue complicates the implementation of reforms, risking public disillusionment with the EU accession process. To address these challenges, the chapter calls for a more inclusive governance model, more substantial political commitment, and enhanced transparency to counteract resistance and ensure accountability. By examining the Green Agenda's dual role as a sustainability framework and political instrument, the chapter concludes with policy recommendations to strengthen its impact, ensuring the region’s transition aligns with EU integration goals while addressing local political complexities.