First Deputy PM and FM Ivica Dacic said in Washington that stabilization of the Western Balkans is crucial for the development of the region's economy.

Dacic spoke on Wednesday at a panel dedicated to business and investment in the Western Balkans during the conference of the Atlantic Council.

Academic and research institutions have no formal role in formulating the US policy towards Serbia or any other country.

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Nils Muiznieks says that the reconciliation process in the Western Balkans has stalled.

In his latest Human Rights Comment, Muiznieks also noted that ethnic divisions and polarization have been growing in the region.

"These relate in particular to denial of genocide, glorification of war criminals and attempts to rehabilitate persons involved in crimes committed during the 1990s’ wars," the CoE cited him on its website, adding:

Some EU officials worry that Brussels is no match for Russia when it comes to influence in the Balkans. Amid attempts by "external actors" to discredit the EU, officials are blaming Mogherini for inadequate efforts.

Returning Islamic State fighters pose a threat to their countries of origin, including Western Balkan states, says a new report from an NGO dealing with global security issues.

Former USA Ambassador to Serbia, Cameron Munter, who is now heading the The East-West Institute, said he is an optimist, seeing the people in the region having the spirit and willingness to resolve the issues, shared by all, Tanjug news agency reported.

The leader of the Democratic Union for Integration (BDI) in Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Ali Ahmeti, told Kosovapress that statements of senior politicians in Serbia to redesign borders of Kosovo, are dangerous and with a domino effect for Western Balkans. He added that these matters should be considered seriously and with a cold blood, because if borders start to change, then they would have a domino effect for the other countries as well.

EXCLUSIVE / Serbia and Montenegro are seen as the two Western Balkan frontrunners to join the EU but Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić told EURACTIV.com in a wide-ranging interview that joining the soon-to-be 27-country bloc is a matter of endurance and not a competition.

“For Serbia, joining the EU is like a marathon,” Brnabić told EURACTIV. “When you run a marathon you are not competing against anyone else but yourself. In that sense, I don’t think any country should be bothered by who is the front or second runner.”