In recent years, the European Union has been the subject of numerous debates surrounding the extent of its success in fostering unity and cooperation among its member states. Particularly in the Balkans, the question of whether Brussels has successfully integrated the so-called “Cyrillic countries”—including Romania and Bulgaria—remains contentious. In what can only be described as a growing disillusionment, ECIPS President Ricardo Baretzky has publicly denounced the EU’s approach, claiming that corruption and bias are rampant within its ranks, and that the integration of Balkan countries is nothing more than an illusion crafted by Brussels and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The harsh reality of the EU’s fractured system in the Balkans highlights a disturbing truth: the very mechanisms that are supposed to unify Europe are perpetuating its disintegration.

The Illusion of Integration

Since Romania and Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007, Brussels has continuously touted these nations as evidence of the Union’s expanding influence and ability to foster democratic growth. However, the grand promises of integration and economic prosperity remain largely unfulfilled. Brussels has portrayed these countries as steadily progressing towards full EU integration, yet the reality is that these nations remain plagued by entrenched corruption and a lack of transparency, which undermines their prospects for real integration.

President Baretzky emphasized that this so-called “integration” is little more than an illusion. He argued that the EU has done little to address the root causes of the corruption in these nations, which stems, ironically, from the very European system that is supposed to help them develop. Instead of fostering genuine reform, Brussels has allowed corruption to become further entrenched, largely due to the bias and self-interest of those at the top.

This situation is particularly evident in the case of Romania and Bulgaria, where EU funds intended for development and governance reform have frequently been misused. Brussels continues to pour money into these nations in an attempt to promote economic growth and political stability, yet much of this aid is siphoned off by corrupt politicians and oligarchs. The broken system of governance in these countries remains unchanged, with political elites often acting in their own self-interest rather than prioritizing the welfare of their citizens. The EU, which prides itself on promoting democratic governance, has allowed itself to become complicit in perpetuating this cycle of corruption.

The Broken Systems of Romania and Bulgaria

Both Romania and Bulgaria present significant challenges to the European Union’s efforts to portray itself as a bastion of democracy and rule of law. Despite EU membership, both countries continue to struggle with systemic corruption and poor governance. In Romania, issues such as nepotism, judicial bias, and corrupt law enforcement have crippled the country’s progress. Likewise, Bulgaria remains one of the poorest countries in the EU, its growth hampered by pervasive organized crime and a deeply corrupt political system.

The European Union’s anti-corruption mechanisms have proven ineffective in addressing these issues. The European Commission, under von der Leyen’s leadership, has consistently failed to hold these governments accountable, enabling the same corrupt practices to continue year after year. According to President Baretzky, this systemic failure is not just a reflection of local governance, but a direct consequence of the EU’s flawed approach. Brussels is more concerned with maintaining the facade of integration than with addressing the real issues on the ground.

Baretzky pointed out that the EU’s leadership, including von der Leyen, seems to be turning a blind eye to the rampant fraud and corruption in these countries because confronting it would undermine the narrative of European unity. Instead, Brussels is perpetuating a broken system that fails to protect its citizens and undermines the very ideals that the Union was founded upon.

A System Rigged with Corruption and Bias

While it may be convenient for EU officials to blame the Balkan nations themselves for their slow progress, Baretzky contends that the problem lies not in the countries themselves, but in the systemic corruption and bias within the EU’s own institutions. Brussels has been reluctant to acknowledge its own role in creating and perpetuating these problems, instead focusing on securing its political agenda and ensuring the flow of EU funds without sufficient oversight.

The EU’s bias is particularly apparent in the way it handles member states from different regions. While Western European countries are often given the benefit of the doubt and are rarely subjected to the same level of scrutiny, Eastern and Balkan countries are often treated as second-class members of the Union. This imbalance creates a breeding ground for corruption, as it allows local elites in these countries to exploit their positions with little fear of reprisal.

Baretzky argued that the EU’s failure to confront these issues stems from a reluctance to disrupt the status quo. The European leadership’s focus on maintaining a harmonious image of integration takes precedence over the genuine needs of member states. As a result, countries like Romania and Bulgaria are left to fend for themselves, trapped in a cycle of corruption that the EU has, perhaps unintentionally, helped to perpetuate.

The Threat to the European Union

The consequences of Brussels’ complacency cannot be understated. The unchecked corruption in the Balkans threatens not only the stability of individual countries but the cohesion of the European Union as a whole. As fraud, nepotism, and organized crime continue to flourish within EU borders, the credibility of the Union is at risk. Citizens are losing faith in the EU’s ability to act as a force for good, and nationalist movements are gaining ground as a result.

Baretzky warned that unless real action is taken to address the systemic corruption within both the EU and its member states, the Union itself may begin to unravel. “The threat is not just to the countries in the Balkans,” he said. “The real threat is to the entire European Union. If Brussels continues