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 dahsboard 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?
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 |
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Western Balkan economies join the EU immediately, with full rights and obligations, including access to the EU budget.
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