The European Union's (EU) progress reports on the aviation sector in the Western Balkans reveal a complex journey towards integration. Aerial connectivity is a vital step for these nations' aspirations to join the EU, but the path is riddled with challenges and varying degrees of success.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Navigating Regulatory Alignment
The aviation authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina are grappling with a critical issue: the 2009 Civil Aviation Law remains misaligned with the European Common Aviation Area Agreement (ECAA). This non-compliance heightens safety risks due to a chronic shortage of trained staff in the Directorate of Civil Aviation. But here's the catch: addressing this gap is a complex task. It requires not just training but also retaining qualified personnel, a challenge in a region with high labor mobility.
Montenegro: Technical Progress, Regulatory Hurdles
Montenegro's aviation sector has made strides in aligning with technical standards for air traffic management (ATM). However, a controversial aspect is its alignment with the Single European Sky (SES 2+) and the joint air navigation services provider agreement with Serbia. The country also needs to implement performance and charging rules and conduct ATM ground conformity assessments. Interestingly, Montenegro is advancing in the ECAA Agreement, but a potential pitfall lies in competition and State aid requirements.
North Macedonia: Steady Progress, Room for Improvement
North Macedonia has achieved a good level of alignment with EU aviation regulations, particularly in aviation safety. However, the 2024 ECAA assessment visit highlighted areas for improvement, especially in regulatory alignment. The Civil Aviation Agency has upgraded its IT certification system to meet EU standards, but a critical next step is addressing safety oversight concerns raised by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Ensuring the independence of the air navigation service provider is another key task.
Serbia: Stable Alignment, Unresolved Issues
Serbia's aviation sector aligns well with EU regulations, and its implementation of EU safety standards for air crew licensing was affirmed in the 2025 EASA inspection. However, a contentious issue remains: the suspension of articles related to air carrier licensing and the unresolved lower airspace regime over Kosovo.
Kosovo: Non-Membership Challenges
Kosovo's aviation sector faces unique challenges due to its non-membership in key international civil aviation organizations. The NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) still manages its airspace, and institutional weaknesses in aviation authorities persist. Despite these hurdles, Kosovo has adopted second-phase ECAA regulations on aviation safety, a surprising move considering the unresolved first-phase items.
This overview highlights the intricate process of aviation integration in the Western Balkans. Each country faces unique challenges, from regulatory alignment to safety oversight and political disputes. What are your thoughts on these nations' progress and the potential impact on their EU membership aspirations?
