A “Growth Plan” for the EU? Western Balkans and the Future of the Single Market

When presenting his detailed report on how to reform the EU single market to make the bloc once more a global economic player, former Italian PM Enrico Letta emphasized the need “to build a single market with teeth.” As the EU struggles to stay competitive against emerging and old powers, solidifying its ties to “third countries” within the continent is of ultimate importance. Recently, the European Commission introduced a Growth Plan for the Western Balkans to decrease the gap in economic convergence and boost its gradual integration into the Single Market. As the EU considers how to radically re-shape the oldest tool in its arsenal, can WB play a positive role in the continent’s future development?