EUROPEAN UNION’S PRACTICE TURN IN “GREEN” POLICIES IN THE WESTERN BALKANS ACCESSION NEGOTIATIONS

Abstract

The European Union’s (EU) diplomatic practice stands out as a unique and distinct approach, setting it apart from other diplomatic practices. Putting the European Green Deal at the center of the whole-of-government approach and steering the EU into accelerating the implementation of Agenda 2030 makes this distinction even more realistic. This paper aims to delve into its core aspect, particularly its role in elevating “green” policies to the forefront of the accession negotiations with the Western Balkans (WB). This research, utilizing the theory of practice approach, describes the recent "turn" in EU policies and investigates if the EU is a true and innovative leader on this topic in the Western Balkans (WB). In this context, the first concern is whether the WB truly acknowledges the EU as a crucial leader to follow in transforming green policies. The second concern is whether the EU is guiding and directing the WB through the accession negotiations to become sustainable and greener, intending to achieve a shared goal. Based on the research evidence, the paper situates the EU strategically in the regional landscape by scrutinizing the tangible aspects of its leadership through the lens of the modes of leadership theory. As a result, this paper elucidates how and why the EU is diplomatically leading the green transformation through WB accession negotiations, and it considers the potential success of the 2050 climate-neutral European continent. Establishing regional and international practices in green policies significantly contributes to the EU’s position in the global order, and recognizing the EU as a leader underscores its unique diplomatic nature.