Start Date
4-23-2018 6:00 PM
End Date
4-23-2018 6:30 PM
Disciplines
Infra-Balkans Relations & External Relations of the Balkan Region
Description
Before the conflict between Kosovo and Serbia, the Balkan region or the formally considered countries of South East Europe (SEE) were at different stages of political development. The reasons for this development varied from country to country, but ethnic conflict, political instability, and a timid approach to structural reform characterized several of them. Consequently, unlike the present, the Balkan region was immensely involved in political conflict and the notion of peace and stability was scarcely recognized. Hence, the aim of this paper is to briefly analyze the cause of the conflict in order to comprehend how the stability formed in the Balkans and the impact of Kosovo’s external relations in achieving this stability. The paper presents options and the relevance of the EU in maintaining this stability following the conclusion of agreements made in regard to Kosovo’s relations to other respective states. These options are set in the context of the overall experience of the EU enlargement process, the specifics of the Western Balkan integration process and the particular situation of Kosovo. In conclusion, the paper deals with the ways and process of building capacities to implement healthy relations with other states in order to promote stability and considers the main actors and structures that are necessary in achieving these relations.
Kosovo’s external relations and their impact on peace and stability in the Balkans
Before the conflict between Kosovo and Serbia, the Balkan region or the formally considered countries of South East Europe (SEE) were at different stages of political development. The reasons for this development varied from country to country, but ethnic conflict, political instability, and a timid approach to structural reform characterized several of them. Consequently, unlike the present, the Balkan region was immensely involved in political conflict and the notion of peace and stability was scarcely recognized. Hence, the aim of this paper is to briefly analyze the cause of the conflict in order to comprehend how the stability formed in the Balkans and the impact of Kosovo’s external relations in achieving this stability. The paper presents options and the relevance of the EU in maintaining this stability following the conclusion of agreements made in regard to Kosovo’s relations to other respective states. These options are set in the context of the overall experience of the EU enlargement process, the specifics of the Western Balkan integration process and the particular situation of Kosovo. In conclusion, the paper deals with the ways and process of building capacities to implement healthy relations with other states in order to promote stability and considers the main actors and structures that are necessary in achieving these relations.
