The crucial states of the European Union do not have political readiness to accept Western Balkans states in the EU, said participants at the discussion “Global Winds of Change and Consequences on the Western Balkans,” organized by the Centre for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD), N1 reported today.
Neither Western Balkans states nor Brussels have the courage to realize that current problems cannot overcome by conventional means, said the President of the CIRSD Vuk Jeremic, adding that what happens in Serbia in terms of the European values is not to be commended.
Jeremic also said that Brussels is asking itself what are the alternatives to the current authorities in Serbia, and what would happen if a new migrants’ wave moves from the Middle East. He added that the Western Balkans is moving towards some kind of a tampon zone where different influences cross, and the European influence is just one among the many.
Jeremic also said the interest of the Washington for the Western Balkans is small, as American National Strategy does not mention Balkans, however the USA policy toward the Western Balkans will not change, same as the support to the European integrations.
Jeremic concluded it is impossible to achieve any kind of agreement on Kosovo without the participation of permanent members of the UN SC and that solving of Kosovo puzzle would not speed up Serbia’s road to the EU, as Kosovo is no longer a crucial issue for the European future of Serbia, N1 reported.
Professor at University from Zagreb, Dejan Jovic said that Kosovo is a European problem, as the EU has no united stance on Kosovo.
“Direct consequence of NATO bombardment of Kosovo is Vladimir Putin rise to power in Russia,” Jovic said, adding “that deterioration of relations between Western Balkans states is a result of the EU hesitation to accept new members”.
“The longer you wait, the worse condition of the Western Balkans states become, and the EU is not brave enough to realize it (….),” Jovic said.
Professor at the University in Graz, Florian Bieber said that huge number of the EU citizens are sceptical toward enlargement as they fear it would weaken the EU.
That is why, the Western Balkans states must show they are prepared to fulfil their obligations, Bieber said.
Bieber also said Washington does not have the strategy for the Western Balkans, however, it has a great influence in the region. It also shows the EU should much better use its power in the region, N1 reported.
