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Balkans,
the face of problems in an interactive environment After decades of regional instability, the Western Balkans stand at the dawn of a new political and economic reality. But a coordinated effort is needed to proceed on the path of integration. By Isidor Koti
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Photo by Sinor Favela on FLICKR
alkan citizens are living in a highly interactive environment. If we think about people who live there as historical personages, we must understand that they are not passive tools that can be manipulated or simply a reflection of natural processes. Instead they are committed and constantly changing. Their status indicates when to offer cooperation, not submission, they offer it generously. This peninsula of ethnic problems and wars is now facing a new political and economic reality. All regional governments are elected through free elections and they have chosen to become members of Euro-Atlantic organizations. After potential ethnic and historical injustices that have been the cause of innumerable problems, now we face the extraordinary effort to change the course of history. For example in Albania, the economy and the work that is being done to establish self-governing institutions is proceeding at a fast rate, prompting the European Union to send an invitation to become part of this very important organisation. Not only Albania, but all Balkan countries should act to coordinate their efforts in a single trend as an „acquis communitaire“ of EU regional specifications establish a Regional Charter that determines the rights and obligations for these countries. But there are cases
where politicians misuse this dream of the citizens, for example whenever there are delays in the integration process of their country or when delays are related to unfounded or unfulfilled promises. The regional problems are not only caused by historical issues. The political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the clear unwillingness of Belgrade to recognize Kosovo, the lack of cooperation with the The Hague tribunal, the issue whether to extend the commencement of negotiations for the EU membership of Macedonia taken together and in their regional dynamics are also consequences of the regional problems. In conclusion: the Europeanisation of the Western Balkans will be delayed again. Of course, that the Western Balkan countries can benefit from the deepening of integration which is solving the institutional crisis and increasing the efficiency of European institutions, increased the opportunities and benefits for new memberships. There are some positive developments that are expected very quickly in this region. Free trade areas, a customs union, or the creation of a Regional Schengen zone are some concrete actions to achieve this aim. The spirit of integration, with safe and easily passable borders are of first hand importance to correspond to the common values
of European integration. But there are some serious problems. While organized crime extends beyond the borders, it presents a real threat to all countries. Inspired by territorial ambitions or nationalist theories, some powers are at the root of the region‘s problems. The governments in the region still need to ensure the proper functioning of democratic institutions and uphold the rule of law. Further efforts are also becoming in the areas of administrative capacity building that still have gaps, as well as the establishment and implementation of legislation and reforms, together with achieving reconciliation in the region. In the economic field, unemployment remains high, the informal sector still accounts for a large part of the national economies and a large portion of people in the region live below the poverty line. Countries are facing reality and want to improve the business climate and competitiveness of their industries, attract foreign direct investment and increase the pace of reforms. In this context, European policies aimed at a new dimension of Balkan integration, which must move away from ideological and nationalist divisions, are the basic axis of a broader regional integration and a way to consolidate peace, security and the rule of law.