The Impact of Economic Integration Processes on the Exports of the Western Balkans

Tatiana Voronova; Natalia Maslennikova; Ekaterina Trokhova; Filip Selamovski

doi:10.52957/2221-3260-2026-8-140-152

VAK Russia 5.2.1 JEL F14 CSCSTI 06.91 VAK Russia 5.2.5 JEL F15 JEL C50 CSCSTI 06.03

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THE IMPACT OF ECONOMIC INTEGRATION PROCESSES ON THE EXPORTS OF THE WESTERN BALKANS The Impact of Economic Integration Processes on the Exports of the Western Balkans

АА Аа

Published in Theoretical economics · Issue 8, 2026 · Pages 140–152 · Rubric: MODERN PROBLEMS OF THE WORLD ECONOMY

DOI: https://doi.org/10.52957/2221-3260-2026-8-140-152

Received: 21.04.2026 Accepted: 27.07.2026 Published: 30.08.2026

Authors

Tatiana Voronova

Natalia Maslennikova

Ekaterina Trokhova

Filip Selamovski

Tatiana Voronova

Academic degree: doctor of economic sciences

Science rang: professor

Plekhanov Russian University of Economics Russian Federation · Moscow

Natalia Maslennikova

Academic degree: candidate of economic sciences

Science rang: docent

Plekhanov Russian University of Economics Russian Federation · Moscow

Ekaterina Trokhova

Academic degree: candidate of economic sciences

Science rang: docent

Plekhanov Russian University of Economics Russian Federation · Moscow

Filip Selamovski

Plekhanov Russian University of Economics Russian Federation · Moscow

ABSTRACT

This article examines Western Balkan exports under key existing trade agreements for the period 2010–2024. The objective of the study is to determine the impact of European integration processes vis-à-vis other factors shaping export flows. An augmented gravity trade model, which considers key regional aspects, was used for the empirical analysis. It is found that economic integration within the Central European Free Trade Association, combined with the presence of stable historical and economic ties and geographic proximity, did indeed contribute to an increase in intra-group trade. Similarly, integration with the European Union was shown to have had a significant positive impact on the region's exports. However, the results indicate that bilateral trade agreements with the European Free Trade Association did not lead to the expected increase in exports. It is concluded that Western Balkan countries are inclined to trade with large economies under existing trade agreements. It is noted that, along with classical regionalism, involvement in transregional integration processes will improve competitiveness and reduce trade dependence. The results of the study can be used to adapt state foreign economic policy, as well as in studies of the impact of integration processes on European models of export potential development and the competitiveness of export-oriented industries. A certain limitation of the study is its focus on export flows, which determines the prospects for further theoretical and empirical research on the impact of economic integration on import flows in Western Balkan countries.

KEYWORDS

economic integration, export, Western Balkans, Europe, determinants of trade, inter-regionalism

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GOST

Voronova T. A., Maslennikova N. V., Trokhova E. V., Selamovski F. The Impact of Economic Integration Processes on the Exports of the Western Balkans // Theoretical economics. 2026. no. 8. pp. 140-152. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52957/2221-3260-2026-8-140-152. (Date of access 28.09.2026).

MLA

Tatiana Voronova, Maslennikova N. V., Trokhova E. V., Selamovski F.. "The Impact of Economic Integration Processes on the Exports of the Western Balkans." Theoretical economics.8 (2026): 140-152. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52957/2221-3260-2026-8-140-152.

APA

Voronova T. A., Maslennikova N. V., Trokhova E. V., Selamovski F. (2026). The Impact of Economic Integration Processes on the Exports of the Western Balkans. Theoretical economics(8), 140-152. https://doi.org/10.52957/2221-3260-2026-8-140-152

Chicago

Tatiana Voronova, Maslennikova N. V., Trokhova E. V., Selamovski F.. "The Impact of Economic Integration Processes on the Exports of the Western Balkans." Theoretical economics, no. 8 (2026): 140-152. https://doi.org/10.52957/2221-3260-2026-8-140-152.

WIKI

{{cite journal | author = Voronova T. A., Maslennikova N. V., Trokhova E. V., Selamovski F. | title = The Impact of Economic Integration Processes on the Exports of the Western Balkans | journal = Theoretical economics | year = 2026 | issue = 8 | pages = 140-152 | doi = 10.52957/2221-3260-2026-8-140-152 }}

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THE IMPACT OF ECONOMIC INTEGRATION PROCESSES ON THE EXPORTS OF THE WESTERN BALKANS The Impact of Economic Integration Processes on the Exports of the Western Balkans

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