Les Balkans occidentaux face a la crise mondiale

In: Politique internationale: pi, Heft 124

Abstract

Although the global economic crisis has severely impacted all of Europe, the western Balkans are without doubt one of the worst hit regions. This area had only just started to recover from the horrendous internecine wars of the 1990s, and is now being affected once again, bringing economic development to a grinding halt. The various states that make up the region have not all been impacted in the same way. Croatia and Serbia, which had started to attract foreign investment and hoped to join the European Union, have been the worst hit. By comparison, Bosnia and Kosovo, less exposed to the rest of the world, have not suffered as much, although their progress has also been slowed. As is always the case in these situations, the demagogues and the radicals are making headway. To ensure that the Balkans do not once again slide into anarchy, the international community must realize the dangers and do everything in its power to keep the region afloat. Adapted from the source document.