Specialist conference
Details
More than 14 years after the Thessaloniki Agenda which stated that the future of the Balkans is within the European Union, most of the countries of south-eastern Europe find themselves in an increasingly uncertain situation. Progress in good governance and the rule of law has been deficient; in some countries backsliding in these areas is common. Economic development is uneven and in too many cases slow. Ethnic tensions are growing in some areas. Moreover, the migration crisis has also destabilised the entire region. Russian as well as other actors' influence is growing while mutual recriminations about the past and unsolved problems resulting from the wars in the former Yugoslavia inhibit stronger regional cooperation.
For these reasons, progress towards EU accession has been very slow.
Furthermore, inside the EU the rise of populism as well as general criticism towards European integration is causing EU leaders to hesitate in pronouncing any further concrete announcements regarding accession. This results in a vicious circle, in which a lack of progress in the partner countries is complemented by a lack of will from the EU side.
Nonetheless, we also witnessed some positive developments over the years, such as: the EU facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, the openings of negotiation chapters for Serbia, the prospect of Montenegro accession to NATO as well as the application of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the EU. These are all positive developments. The Balkans need to address with determination current challenges and use opportunities to advance the European path.
