EU Enlargement versus Old Geopolitics: The Western Balkans at the Crossroads
EU Enlargement versus Old Geopolitics: The Western Balkans at the Crossroads

Summary/Abstract: The Western Balkans region is burdened by a number of troublesome issues inherited from long lasting historical disputes, from the consequences of the dissolution of former Yugoslavia or from the war period in the 1990s. While it remains hard to achieve a solution, these issues are persisting against the backdrop of dramatic changes of the international agenda. The Western Balkans is therefore slipping down the list of immediate priorities of the international community. Issues are dealt on a low-key level; they are not being addressed from the perspective of firm interests and principles. If left unattended, the Western Balkans, with its “unfinished peace”, might become a security problem again. While the economies in the region are struggling to survive the current economic crisis, the EU enlargement momentum is a key prerequisite to stability there. The remaining problems should be addressed urgently, as the very goals of EU and NATO integration cannot be left to the will or rather lack of will within the region to resolve its issues and problems. Finally, it is indispensable to enhance and consolidate regional cooperation. The South East Europe Cooperation Process (SEECP) is being uplifted to a level of full responsibility. With an enhanced role of the SEECP, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), as a leading platform and guiding operational forum in South East Europe, will certainly benefit from this process.

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