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Tracking how the Western Balkans converges with the EU – In people's everyday lives.
converge2eu is a regional initiative that tracks whether the Western Balkan countries are catching up with the European Union economically, socially, and institutionally. It goes beyond formal EU accession process to ask a more concrete question: how do people in the region actually live, and how does that compare with the lives of their fellow EU citizens?
Tracking how the Western Balkans converges with the EU – In people's everyday lives.
converge2eu is a regional initiative that tracks whether the Western Balkan countries are catching up with the European Union economically, socially, and institutionally. It goes beyond formal EU accession process to ask a more concrete question: how do people in the region actually live, and how does that compare with the lives of their fellow EU citizens?
Well-being level, in % of EU in 2025
61% of EU
57% of EU
54% of EU
69% of EU
64% of EU
67% of EU
Overall well-being in 2025
Well-being level,
in % of EU in 2025
In 2025, Montenegro had the highest overall well-being level in the region, at 69% of the EU level, followed by Serbia at 67%. North Macedonia was at 64%, Albania at 61%, while Bosnia and Herzegovina at 57%. Kosovo was the lowest, at 54% of the EU average.
Well-being,
annual change in 2025
In 2025, Montenegro recorded the fastest year-on-year increase in overall well-being, closing 1.1 pp of the gap to the EU level, followed by Kosovo, which improved by 0.6 pp. Serbia closed 0.5 pp of the gap, while Bosnia and Herzegovina 0.4 pp. Albania stagnated, while North Macedonia slipped back marginally.
Years to EU level at
the average 2025 progress rate
Albania35years
Bosnia and Herzegovina59years
Kosovo38years
Montenegro32years
North Macedonia52years
Serbia43years
Given current levels and trends from the past five years, Montenegro would need 32 years to reach the EU level of well-being. Albania would take 35, while Kosovo 38. Serbia is 43 years away, North Macedonia 52, while Bosnia and Herzegovina is last, 59 years away.
Where each country stands, area by area
Well-being in 2025, by area, as % of the EU average. Lighter cells are closer to the EU level.
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albania | 39 | 72 | 66 | 71 | 60 | 72 | 73 | 34 |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 50 | 62 | 75 | 59 | 35 | 59 | 75 | 43 |
| Kosovo | 39 | 61 | 56 | 69 | 26 | 69 | 79 | 37 |
| Montenegro | 60 | 76 | 85 | 80 | 50 | 79 | 82 | 41 |
| North Macedonia | 56 | 62 | 80 | 67 | 54 | 72 | 77 | 43 |
| Serbia | 56 | 71 | 82 | 81 | 38 | 66 | 99 | 45 |
LowerHigher
| Albania | 39 |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 50 |
| Kosovo | 39 |
| Montenegro | 60 |
| North Macedonia | 56 |
| Serbia | 56 |
LowerHigher
4 scenarios for EU accession
Our analytical reports and scenarios turn data into understanding. See how policy reforms undertaken today can shape a brighter tomorrow for people in the region.
Full EU membership
Western Balkan economies join the EU immediately, with full rights and obligations, including access to the EU budget.
Access to EU budget
Western Balkan economies obtain full access to the EU budget and receive transfers as if they were member states, but without formal membership.
Access to EU single market
Western Balkan economies gain full access to the EU single market, without other elements of membership such as institutional alignment or budget transfers.
Institutional reforms
Western Balkan economies undertake reforms equivalent to those required of EU member states, without membership or transfers.
Latest Reports and Events
Stay informed with our latest reports, insights, and upcoming events on the EU accession process and convergence.