CONSIDERATIONS ON THE EVOLUTION OF THE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE WESTERN BALKAN STATES
CONSIDERATIONS ON THE EVOLUTION OF THE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE WESTERN BALKAN STATES

Summary/Abstract: The present paper sets itself to identify the main evolutions which have taken place in the Western Balkans recently. The analysis is realized by taking into consideration the tendencies which characterized the regional security environment as well as the progresses and the obstacles registered by the states encompassed in this region. At the same time, the cooperation between these countries and the European Union play a central role in this analysis not only because of the proximity of this region, but also due to the increased role assumed by the EU in building a culture of cooperation between the Western Balkan states, in sustaining them in their way to Euro-Atlantic integration, in creating the conditions for reconciliation on ethnic issues which have marked their recent destiny. Also, by this article, we want to highlight both the successes and the difficulties in managing disputes, crises and the process of democratization. Under these circumstances, security will be a central issue as, depending on the manner in which these states manage their relations, they could enjoy a higher or lower degree of security. We also set ourselves to pay a special attention to the implications of the opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding Kosovo’s status on the regional security environment. This because we consider that the way in which Kosovo and Serbia will choose to negotiate the end of their dispute may trigger major consequences on the security environment in Western Balkans.

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