converge2.eu is an evidence-based initiative that sheds light on how the Western Balkans are converging with EU living standards. Our goal is to support evidence-based policymaking, informed journalism, and regional dialogue. We apply rigorous methodology, use comparable data, present them raw on a dashboard and offer informed, independent and unbiased interpretation and advice.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 |
| Albania | 39 |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 50 |
| Kosovo | 39 |
| Montenegro | 60 |
| North Macedonia | 56 |
| Serbia | 56 |
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.
Western Balkan economies join the EU immediately, with full rights and obligations, including access to the EU budget.
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Western Balkan economies undertake reforms equivalent to those required of EU member states, without membership or transfers.
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Montenegro is the Western Balkans' frontrunner on living standards – but 32 years from the EU average at today's pace Montenegro has closed 21 negotiating chapters and the end of accession talks is in sight. New data from the converge2eu project asks a different question: how close are people's lives in Montenegro to those of…
Prishtina, 7 October 2026 Riinvest Institute hosted the launch of the second converge2eu Kosovo Country Report, "Mind the Gap: Kosovo's Path to EU Living Standards," in Prishtina on 7 October 2026. The event took place as part of the Berlin Process Civil Society & Think Tank Forum. The launch opened with remarks from Alban Hashani,…