This article discusses the necessity to take into account the strategic importance of the Balkan region for the EU. The relations between the states in the region are entangled, with political, ...ethnic, religious animosities and security risks. The most important if not the only tool for the social and economic progress of these states and for improving the stability and security of the region and Europe as a whole is the step by step integration of all states of the region into the EU. Unfortunately, the road of Western Balkans (WB6) countries towards European integration and values has proven to be more burdensome and lengthy than many had hoped a few years ago. On the 6th of February 2018, the European Commission (finally) presented a new strategy towards the WB6 in which it resumed among other things also the responsibility to develop six initiatives aimed at supporting the reforms in the WB6 countries (Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia). The Annex to this instrument contains a timetable for the announced actions, including the supervision of their realization. Almost all actions are supposed to be realized until 2019 at the end of the mandate of the present Commission. It is now of paramount importance that the new EU structure, which will be elected/appointed in 2019, develop new ideas and fresh operational policies towards WB6 in order to keep peace, stability and ensure the progress of the WB6 countries and the region as a whole. The author puts forward in the article some considerations that could be of use in further structuring and especially in implementing the new EU strategy towards WB6.
Discusses the process of accession to & membership in the European Union (EU) of candidate states, particularly in Eastern Europe & the Mediterranean region. Prominent issues will include balancing ...the supranational character of the EU & the position of national states concerning the principle of equality of the languages of all states, as well as on languages & cultures of minorities. The rights of EU citizens determined in the Maastricht Treaty are discussed. It is suggested that candidate states should negotiate on a common platform. It is hoped that the structural reforms of the EU will take into account the interests of small member states; the fundamental equality of all languages of the future member states & efficiency in communication will be ensured; & the EU will put more effort into encouraging the cultures of small nations & minorities. It is concluded that a sustainable EU will require the acceptance of cultural pluralism. 14 References. Adapted from the source document.
Cultural cooperation between countries affects their political relations positively, as exemplifed by the relations between Yugoslavia & her neighboring states, who often share ethnic minorities ...along their common borders. Yugoslavia comprises six nations, ten nationalities, & two ethnic groups, many of which cross the borders of other countries; consequently Yugoslavia entered into treaties with these countries involving cooperation in the fields of culture, education, & science. The example of Yugoslavia can be used as a blueprint for cultural cooperation on a more global scale, eg, among the multicultural societies of Europe. A. Cole