This chapter provides an overview of the context and background of EU-Western Balkans relations. Initially, it reviews the current state of international relations and the EU’s position within the changing global order. Next, it scrutinises the EU’s role in the Western Balkans in two distinct periods: (i) from the 1990s until Russia’s aggression in Ukraine in February 2022; and (ii) the EU’s response regarding its enlargement policy following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Subsequently, it analyses the involvement of the other actors (e.g., China, Russia) in the Western Balkans region. Hence, based on the overall discussion, initial findings are presented concerning the EU’s presence and opportunities as they relate to its future relations with the Western Balkans.