Introduction
A central feature of the European Union’s (EU) evolution is the process of its enlargement, which involves the accession of new member states whose laws and policies align with the EU’s legal framework, known as the acquis communautaire.1 This integration was initiated in 1951 with the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) by six founding countries: Belgium, West Germany, Luxembourg, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. In 1957, the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) and the European Economic Community (EEC) were established through subsequent treaties. The EU now consists of 27 member states, with Croatia becoming the newest member in 2013.2 In spite of this, enlargement has its challenges, particularly with regard to integrating the Western Balkans.3
