Suchergebnisse

The paper deals with EU policies towards its eastern periphery, focusing on the Western Balkans and South Caucasus. Departing from a comparative approach, the paper argues that the establishment of a regional normative order, with clear goals of stabilization through variable geometry integration, has found clear limits. The paper flashes out these dynamics and establishes important lessons to be learned from the European approach to the Balkans and the Caucasus. Adapted from the source document.

Examines historical dimension of humanitarian intervention, focusing on the 1875-78 Eastern Crisis in the Balkans and the Bosnian conflict of 1992-95. Summaries in English and French p. 317-9.

This article explores the role of the European Union in the human rights protection, implementation and promotion in Serbia. It is clear that the EU demands on democratisation in the region of Western Balkans are crucial to achieve the respect for human rights. The human rights standards as part of the conditionality criteria of the EU is a clear message towards the countries aspiring membership. However, Serbia progress in the field has been difficult due to several internal constraints. This paper aims to uncover the democratisation process of Serbia on its path towards the EU, and its progress (or not) regarding human rights protection and implementation. Adapted from the source document.

Beginning with historical research about the Balkans, the author traces a social & political profile of the countries that today form the region, placing it until these days & to the military & ethnic conflicts that have taken place on it. The indifference of the major powers with the problematic issues of the region & the inclusion of some of these countries in the European Union are also discussed along the article. References. Adapted from the source document.

The Western Balkans countries are an inseparable part of the ongoing formation of a "new" European space. Its integration into European structures, particularly the European Union, has proved to be a difficult process due to the problematic political, economic & social situation of these countries. As shown in the case of EU-candidate FYROM, it is possible to argue that EU membership aspiration has been a key factor for the systemic & structural transformation required for the stabilization & gradual democratization of the country. Understanding Europeanization as the conceptual framework that links transition & integration, it is possible to analyze to what extent the EU efforts & initiatives in the Western Balkans have been contributing to the area's pacification & to fostering good governance in the region. This could contribute to a better understanding of the Europeanization process in Macedonia, addressing its results & effects in the democratization process & in the improvement of human rights standards. Appendixes. Adapted from the source document.

The article analyzes the past, present, & future potential role of the EU in the ongoing ethnic division in Kosovo, with a focus on what the EU can do diplomatically toward furthering a final political resolution, particularly one that will be acceptable to Serbs & ethnic Albanians alike. The discussion begins with a summary of the EU's diplomatic efforts throughout the Balkan wars of the 1990s. Other specific topics surveyed include the current political posture of Serbia with regards to the question of Kosovo, the posture of the majority Albanians in Kosovo, & the posture of the minority Serbs in Kosovo. The article concludes that, given the fact that Portugal now occupies the rotating presidency of the EU, Portugal is now in a unique diplomatic position to help bridge the gaps between the various players in the dispute regarding Kosovo. R. Young

The formations of the troika as the new institutional set-up for the Kosovo negotiations, the relations between Serbia & the EU & the confirmation of the stalemate at the United Nations Security Council after the presentation of the troika's report to the UN Secretary-General were the main issues in the Kosovo question during the second semester of 20DG7. The Portuguese Presidency tried to remain firm & to avoid any precipitation in dealing with a crucial issue for Balkan peace & stability & for the consolidation of democracy in Serbia. Adapted from the source document.