A Balkán és az olasz érdekek
The Balkans and Italian interests

Summary/Abstract: The uncertainty that characterizes the expected future pace of the European integration process could have adverse consequences for states and entities in the Western Balkans, which are surrounded by the 27-member EU. The reform process might slow, doubts concerning the EU might grow stronger, and these countries might become more deeply mired in their more or less severe internal problems and conflicts. At the same time, the potential effects on the EU are no less negative. All the difficulties hindering the process of integrating the Western Balkan region into Europe, which can be attributed to delays or lack of will on the part of the EU, will complicate the union’s already significant military, civilian and financial presence in the region, where the organization’s credibility is at stake. This essay seeks to outline the characteristics and difficulties of the new political and economic phase of transition in the Balkans. By investigating the Italian presence in the Balkans, the article attempts to find out whether and to what degree increased efforts by the EU member states to solve the region’s problems might prove successful – especially on the part of countries neighbouring the Balkans that have a greater vested interest in the region.

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