THE CHALLENGES OF THE WESTERN BALKANS WITH THE EU ENLARGEMENT POLICY

By defining the research problems and issues in the paper, through quantitative and qualitative methods, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of negotiations with the EU on stable institutions, dispute resolution, and developing a common European identity. The methods chosen are designed to capture the complexity of the topic and provide insight into both major trends and the specific nuances of individual country experiences. The questions that this research should answer are as follows: 1. How do negotiations with the EU affect the evolution of national institutions? 2. To what extent are bilateral disputes resolved through negotiations with the EU? 3. In what ways do negotiations with the EU contribute to the formation of a common European identity? 4. What challenges and opportunities arise during negotiations with the EU regarding stable institutions, bilateral dispute resolution, and identity formation? The general objective of the research is to comprehensively investigate and analyze the impact of the negotiations with the European Union on the participating countries in terms of stable institutions, bilateral dispute resolution, and the formation of a common European identity. This research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics involved in the EU negotiations and their subsequent effects on the participating nations' political, economic, and cultural dimensions. The aim is to conduct a comprehensive and methodologically diverse research study that not only contributes to academic knowledge but also has practical implications for policymakers, improves public understanding, and adds valuable perspectives to the wider discourse on regional cooperation and integration.