The Rule of Law in EU Accession: Between Legal Obligation and Political Practice in the Western Balkans

Bc. David KLEPÁČ

Diplomová práce

Abstract:

This thesis examines whether the European Union applies rule of law conditionality consistently or selectively in the enlargement process. Through a comparative case study of Albania and Serbia covering the period 2014-2024, it analyses the relationship between formal EU requirements and their practical application. The theoretical framework is grounded in the tension between normativity and instrumentality of conditionality and is further structured along the dimensions of discourse versus practice and formal compliance versus actual performance. The empirical analysis draws on European Commission reports, Council conclusions, and other institutional documents. The findings indicate that the application of conditionality is significantly politically mediated, resulting in asymmetric outcomes across candidate states and raising questions about the consistency and credibility of EU enlargement policy.

Abstract:

This thesis examines whether the European Union applies rule of law conditionality consistently or selectively in the enlargement process. Through a comparative case study of Albania and Serbia covering the period 2014-2024, it analyses the relationship between formal EU requirements and their practical application. The theoretical framework is grounded in the tension between normativity and instrumentality of conditionality and is further structured along the dimensions of discourse versus practice and formal compliance versus actual performance. The empirical analysis draws on European Commission reports, Council conclusions, and other institutional documents. The findings indicate that the application of conditionality is significantly politically mediated, resulting in asymmetric outcomes across candidate states and raising questions about the consistency and credibility of EU enlargement policy.

Keywords

rule of law, EU enlargement conditionality, Western Balkans, Albania, Serbia, stabilitocracy, comparative case study

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 30. 3. 2026

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Obhajoba proběhla 25. 5. 2026
• Vedoucí: Mgr. Petra Měšťánková, Ph.D.

UNIVERZITA PALACKÉHO V OLOMOUCI

Právnická fakulta

Magisterský studijní program / obor:
Evropské právo a politiky EU / Evropské právo a politiky EU