European Union

Comment: perspective as a strategy

The Brexit determined in these weeks, the agenda of the European Union. And yet, the EU is well advised to lose the Western Balkans from the point of view, says Adelheid Feilcke.

Angela Merkel and French President Hollande are the key advocate of the Western Balkans in the EU

With the perspective that there is such a thing – you see something, but it is not. You do not look, but it is in there. Thus, in the case of the Western Balkans conference touted an EU perspective and is, in fact an empty promise. Clearly, the Western Balkans have a European perspective. Ask yourself only: what are they?

In the good old days before the refugee crisis, and Brexit the conditions were clear: We’re in, you want to get in! And we tell you where to go! But so clearly the conditions for a long time.

Self-Conscious Of The Balkans

The countries of the Western Balkans with their border is not closing, just keep the EU in the refugee issue. They carry a lot of potential for conflict, and the EU-Europe is dangerous: terrorism, growing Islamism, unsettled State, and neighborhood conditions, economic backwardness. That these conflicts be solved before the gates of the EU as soon as possible, in the interests not only of the Balkans but of the whole of Europe.

Adelheid Feilcke, directs the Europe-editors of the DW

Not only, therefore, the Balkan politicians long ago with a great self-awareness. Yes, you want to be in the EU, but at the same time with other options. Russia has taken the Western Balkans as a strategic Region in its sights, China is securing economic large-scale projects. And the Muslim population, especially in Bosnia and Kosovo, is increasingly being wooed by Islamist players. EU-Europe is not the only Option, and the attraction wanes, when the membership in the unreachable distance is.

In this situation, the state established leaders of the Western Balkan States, well and cleverly with the internal and external uncertainties, to your own Power – not always to the fine democratic style to develop. The growing influence of the media and cronyism are widespread phenomena in the Region, corrupt elites is a rampant Problem.

Where the EU has authority

That is why it is so important that the EU-countries to Germany, France and Austria to keep the Western Balkans in the view. For all the ostensible symbol of policy in the West Balkans summit, the message is “We want you!” is important. And the EU-Integration as a clear goal creates responsibilities on all sides.

Because the sheen of the old EU is not let anywhere verb, it has from the Balkan perspective, continue to beam power, and – what is more important – enjoys political authority. It would not be fatal to take advantage of this fact and to neglect now, given the excitement around the Brexit the Western Balkans. Each uncertainty weakens the authority of the EU and the democratic forces in the Region and plays into the hands of those who benefit from instability in the Balkans.

Basic condition: reconciliation with the neighbors

The tasks on the way to EU Integration is immense: the rule of law is also a critical issue, such as the mutual recognition of States, which led to a partial a few years ago at war with each other. Here, there must be no rotten compromises! That on the edge of the Western Balkans conference, the Blockade of Croatia on Serbia’s EU were overcome in the negotiations, shows that it can succeed in the face of common interests and national egotism. Other bilateral approaches will have to follow. The Serbian reservations about Kosovo, the question of the statehood of Bosnia, Greece’s Blockade against Macedonia – the open list is a long one. There is still a lot and demanded a negotiation. The way in the EU for the candidate countries, but only on regional reconciliation.

No matter what perspective you adopt: The Balkans-Integration is a long-term project, but by concrete progress on the course. Economic cooperation and investment must continue to increase, without reducing the pressure to Reform. And the youth to take, the frustrated in the Balkans a cause for concern and without prospects. Therefore, the current establishment of a regional youth work for the Western Balkans is a pioneering project, which will open up many young people in Post-conflict societies, new perspectives – with each other in a common Europe.

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