The aim of this policy brief is to explore in more detail the possible venues for application of the “phasing-in” mechanism. Recognizing the great potential of positive conditionality for accelerated reforms in the Western Balkans, “phasing-in” is perceived as a tool that could provide intermediate rewards in the accession process and thus provide tangible benefits for both the authorities and the public, but at the same time to ensure accelerated integration in real terms.
Having in mind the main characteristics of “accelerated integration and phasing-in” as defined in the official EU documents, the brief analyzes the mechanism both from a policy and an institutional perspective. The policy “phasing-in” aspect is elaborated through a “fundamentals first” approach and explores the possibilities of “phasing-in” of the respective Western Balkans countries in EU’s rule of law mechanisms and the modalities of inclusion into the Single Market. The second key dimension explored in the brief is the institutional “phasing-in” which focuses on possible modalities of increased participation in the decentralized EU agencies on one hand; and enhanced participation of the Western Balkan countries in the comitology structure in the European Commission and Council preparatory bodies on the other.
