The Balkans in Europe's Future

In: Südost-Europa: journal of politics and society, Band 53, Heft 2, S. 159-184

Abstract

This report by the International Commission on the Balkans contends that the current status quo in the Western Balkans is dangerous & unsustainable & that European integration is the only way to bring development & prosperity to the region. Despite a massive amount of money, goodwill, & human resources that the international community has invested in the Balkans, the states continue to be held back by low economic growth, high unemployment, corruption, & distrustful citizens. The report states the only way to prevent the Western Balkans from turning into a black hole of Europe is to move the region as a whole to the stage of European Union accession. The report discusses: 1) the status quo & EU's Balkan dilemma, & 2) the key elements of the new policy framework, including constitutional issues & the integration challenge. Tables, References. A. Kallioinen