Greening the economy: EU membership as a driver for change in south-east Europe

With ever-growing sensibilities concerning environmental protection, the shift towards a greening the economy is becoming a top priority. In order to realise sustainable development, however, sufficient resources are required, as well as an innovative approach based on social needs, environmental considerations and other aspects of social responsibility. The authors focus in this article on how a selection of south-east European countries have started to implement a broad spectrum of policies in support of a more sustainable economy, reviewing the choices in this area made by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Romania and Slovenia. The article also discusses the major drivers and barriers to greening the economy, in particular how far EU membership is a major driver. The authors conclude that the main barriers impeding change are usually internal, as a result of policies remaining dependent on national governments and domestic social attitudes. However, access to European funds as a result of EU membership may well, where the local will is in accordance, encourage moves in support of a green transition.