Contemporary EU Enlargement Policy: Comparative Analysis of EU Strategies in the Balkan Region

This paper investigates the EU enlargement policy in a comparative perspective, using the Multiple Streams Framework (MSF) as a theoretical basis. MSF provides a robust lens for understanding the complexities of policy making, particularly in the context of the European Union's enlargement strategy in the Balkan states. This theoretical approach distinguishes problem, policy, and politics streams, that provide a better understanding of why certain issues gain traction, how policies are formulated, and the dynamics of political environments that shape decision-making. Moreover, the framework emphasizes the nuanced interplay of various actors, contextual factors, and policy windows that shape the trajectory of enlargement policies. The European Union's (EU) enlargement policy towards the Western Balkans offers a compelling case study for applying the Multiple Streams Framework (MSF). By applying the MSF to the EU's enlargement policy in the Balkans, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex factors driving policy decisions. The framework highlights the importance of considering problems, policies, and political realities when analyzing policy change in the context of EU enlargement.