The European Union as a Region-Builder beyond its Borders?

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The European Union’s commitment to integration as a means for peace and prosperity has led to policies aimed at fostering cooperation globally. This thesis examines the effectiveness of these policies in promoting regional cooperation outside the EU, focusing on the Western Balkans and Mercosur. Through original data from interviews with policymakers and document analysis, the study evaluates the role of EU activities in seven cases of institutional change in these regions. A cross-case analysis reveals the varying influences of the EU and the importance of local conditions. The findings indicate that EU influence is most significant when it combines technical assistance with proactive sharing of experiences that partners can adopt. While the EU has generally succeeded in inducing institutional change, it often lacks the political influence needed to shape the operational contexts of these institutions. Interestingly, the EU's impact does not correlate directly with its economic or political leverage; it was more effective in Mercosur than in the Western Balkans. Ultimately, the EU’s success in promoting institutional change depends on aligning domestic incentives in the region with its own capacity to adapt and its willingness to wait for political opportunities.