THE ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW FORMS OF TERRITORIAL COOPERATION IN THE WESTERN BALKANS
THE ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW FORMS OF TERRITORIAL COOPERATION IN THE WESTERN BALKANS

Summary/Abstract: The main conflicts of the twentieth century occurred mainly because of political and ideological reasons. The borders of states became real insurmountable barriers not only for enemies, but several times also for their own citizens. This character of the borders created rather the role of elements that prevented the emergence of common activities and values. The dissolution of Yugoslavia at the beginning of the 90s created seven new independent states. After the armed conflicts that followed the initial proclamation of independence in several of these countries, a period of consolidation came, along with European integration as well as cooperation and reconciliation efforts. Managing territorial cooperation in the European Union and at its South Eastern borders is a social and economic investment that enables European societies to strengthen their cohesion and resilience and become more prosperous. It can be considered also a societal process in which the responsibility does not rest with a specific group, but with several. Civil society and its organizations play an important role in the development of territorial cooperation in all the target countries. These carry out valuable work assisting or even substituting for governments by providing guidance and support in this process.

• Details
• Contents