ПОТЕНЦИЈАЛ КОРУПЦИЈЕ КАО БАЛКАНСКОГ БЕЗБЕДНОСНОГ ИЗАЗОВА
THE POTENTIAL OF CORRUPTION LIKE THE BALKANS SECURITY CHALLENGE

Author(s): Milan S. Milutinović
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Security and defense, Corruption - Transparency - Anti-Corruption
Published by: Institut za strategijska istraživanja
Keywords: corruption; security; Balkans; organized crime; transparency; political stability; European Union
Summary/Abstract: Corruption in the Balkans represents a deeply entrenched and multidimensional problem that manifests in negative effects on economic development, social cohesion, and political stability in the region. This article examines corruption as a significant security threat, exploring its complex connections with other challenges, such as organized crime, terrorism, illegal migration, and environmental degradation. The primary aim of the paper is to investigate the interplay between corruption and security by identifying key weaknesses in institutional mechanisms to combat corruption and evaluating existing strategies that could strengthen institutional resilience and regional stability. The analysis employs a multidisciplinary qualitative methodology that includes case studies of Croatia and Romania. These two countries serve as examples of relative success in combating corruption, thanks to a combination of political will, support from the European Union, judicial independence, and robust civic activism. Special attention is given to structural aspects of corruption, with state capture identified as the most dangerous form—a phenomenon where corrupt networks seize control of institutions to pursue private interests. This form of corruption not only undermines the rule of law but also deepens social inequalities, erodes public trust in the state, and complicates efforts to address other security threats. Corruption is analyzed as a key factor facilitating the growth of organized crime, terrorism, illegal migration, and environmental degradation. For instance, migrant networks often rely on corruption of border and police officials, while criminal groups use the same routes to smuggle weapons and drugs. In the energy sector, corruption enables the signing of non-transparent contracts that lead to dependence on foreign resources and diminish state sovereignty. In infrastructure projects, corruption inflates construction costs and reduces the quality of built structures, directly endangering safety and lives. Croatia and Romania stand out as successful examples in the fight against political corruption. In Croatia, institutions such as the Office for the Suppression of Corruption and Organized Crime (USKOK) and independent media played key roles in uncovering major scandals, such as the “Fimi Media” and “INA-MOL” cases. In Romania, the National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) managed to prosecute a significant number of high-ranking officials, including prime ministers, ministers, and mayors, demonstrating its effectiveness in combating corruption. However, criticisms regarding the political misuse of anti-corruption mechanisms highlight the urgent need for fair and transparent processes. The article concludes that combating corruption requires a comprehensive approach that includes strengthening the judicial system, ensuring transparency in public finances, supporting independent media and civil society, and fostering regional and international cooperation. The research demonstrates that corruption is not merely an economic or moral challenge but also a generator of political and social crises that threaten national and regional security. Successful anti-corruption efforts would directly enhance the region’s stability and prosperity, enabling Balkan states to fully realize their potential and integrate into the broader European framework.

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