Europeanization as statebuilding, Statebuilding as Europeanization

The meaning of the Western Balkans concept for the EU: genuine inclusion or polite exclusion?

“…They add other dimensions, such as local self-understanding and reflexive of the ideas, images and discourses of Europeanness to and from the Balkans (Mishkova 2019). To understand Europeanization processes, the focus is placed on local dynamics in the production of ideologies and self-narratives on how the peoples of the Balkans imagine, negotiate and use the idea of Europe through performative practices and cultural production (Petrovic 2014;Musliu 2021a).…”

“…In other words, when a state of the region complies with European norms and standards and becomes an EU member, it is considered 'European,' while others remain a part of the 'Balkans.' Musliu provides a critical understanding of Europeanization, using the concept of everyday practices, namely, the Western Balkan countries use everyday events to perform their belonging to Europe and the EU (Musliu 2021a). In doing so, Europeanization consists of transforming structures, institutions and economic models but also changing behaviours and ideas in citizens at large (Musliu 2021a).…”

“…Musliu provides a critical understanding of Europeanization, using the concept of everyday practices, namely, the Western Balkan countries use everyday events to perform their belonging to Europe and the EU (Musliu 2021a). In doing so, Europeanization consists of transforming structures, institutions and economic models but also changing behaviours and ideas in citizens at large (Musliu 2021a). Moreover, Pål Kolstø states, 'what can redeem a people in this part of Europe from the stigma of being "Balkan" is membership in Western organizations, in particular the EU.…”

“…This article focuses on the social construction, international representations and political use of the term. Numerous studies have already applied constructivism and the role of ideas, narratives and discourses in the Western Balkans' debate about Europeanization and state-building as everyday practices (Musliu 2021a), the relationship between identity and Europeanization (Subotic 2011), the scope and limitations of the EU's transformative power (Elbasani 2013), the limits of the EU's normative power (Noutcheva 2009) and representations of the region in political and media discourses (Petrovic 2009). It is argued that European perceptions, identity, standards and values have been important in promoting the EU's enlargement policy towards the Western Balkans (Demetropoulou 2002).…”

Concluding Remarks: Towards a New Conceptualisation of Similarities and Differences in European Migration Controls

“…Another explanation of the blurring of boundaries between North and South has to do with Europeanisation. If we conceive of the European migration regime as a space of negotiation where several actors as well as practices -formal and informal -are involved (Klepp, 2010), we can bring together elements that are generally analysed separately: on one hand, the formal and informal negotiation processes between Member States; on the other hand, a sort of "Europeanisation by practice" or "ways of doing things" (Radaelli, 2004;Schmidt & Radaelli, 2004;Musliu, 2021) taking place at the implementation stage.…”