USAID funding cuts and their impact on the Western Balkans

The Brief examines the impact of USAID funding cuts in the Western Balkans and their implications for democracy and EU enlargement. The abrupt suspension of U.S. assistance has placed civil society under strain, weakened rule-of-law reforms, and fostered illiberal narratives and political pressure on independent actors. These trends risk accelerating democratic backsliding and slowing EU accession processes. The analysis highlights the urgent need for the EU to fill the strategic vacuum left by the U.S. through stronger political leadership and targeted financial support.