Montenegro – in between Serbia and Kosovo
Montenegro must tread carefully in order to resolve its outstanding issues with Serbia and Kosovo, with the latter required to fulfill three key conditions – border demarcation, the sustainable return of displaced persons and recognition of the ethnic Montenegrin community - before full diplomatic relations will be established.
Dayton Bosnia may be over – but what next?
Rather than advocating one solution to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s ongoing crisis, the EU should offer a range, or menu, of reform options – all leading to EU membership.
Three good ways to end 2009 in the Western Balkans
Three key decisions at the end of 2009 – visa liberalization, Serbia’s application for EU membership and the European Court of Human Rights’ ruling on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s constitution - provide significant momentum for the Western Balkans in 2010.
Macedonia – is the name issue close to an end?
A Greek veto at the upcoming EU council meeting threatens to further fuel growing animosity in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Montenegro – on its way towards the EU and NATO
Whilst Montenegro continues to make visible progress towards achieving its key foreign policy priorities, further steps are required to ensure that its internal reform processes maintain a similar pace
From Russia with loans
The agreements signed during president Medvedev’s visit to Belgrade not only reinforce Russia’s economic influence over Serbia, but also demonstrate that relations between the two... Read More
The concept of international security and the evolving role of NATO
NATO has survived the end of the Cold War by adopting new missions, changing conceptually, taking in new members and by invoking Article Five in... Read More
Serbia requires patience over Europe
Despite Ireland’s affirmation of the Lisbon Treaty, Serbia should refrain from applying for candidacy until the interim trade agreement is unblocked.
Bosnia and Herzegovina – ethnic disarmament
With Bosnia’s leaders unimpressed by the EU’s remote carrots, a New Deal is required; one that offers fast-track EU membership in return for a new... Read More
The politics of regionalisation
Following on the heels of a declaration demanding the "unconditional withdrawal" of the Gendermarie from southern Serbia, ethnic Albanian politicians have called for the establishment of a separate 'Presevo Valley region'.
Missing out on Europe
The Croatian prime minister's resignation is a symptom of fading hopes for EU membership in the western Balkans.
Biden visit muddies Balkan waters
The appointment of a US special envoy to the Balkans would only serve to undermine the legitimacy and leverage of the EU.
