Martina Larkin, head of Europe and Eurasia and a member of the Executive Committee of the World Economic Forum, writes that as Europe is confronted by different visions about its future, the question is how these visions will affect the Western Balkans. Larkin argues for the need to ensure a sustainable, long-term development of the Balkans region in order to deliver a stable political environment and further economic growth and investment. She suggests that to do this, three key priorities need to be addressed: strengthening growth and investment through public-private partnerships; driving a future-oriented digital ecosystem; and supporting next-generation leadership. “Tangible progress is possible in the near future to transform the Western Balkans and it is imperative that we support these countries in their transition to transparent, inclusive societies which can thrive in the future and contribute to regional stability and growth. Either that or they might become a new risk factor for Europe,” Larkin writes.

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