Serbien und seine Nachbarn. Bilanz und Perspektiven ein Jahr nach der Wende
Serbia and its Neighbours. Balance and Perspectives One Year after the Change

Summary/Abstract: Like most of its neighbouring countries, Serbia has a reform government today. Stabilisation in the countries of Southeast Europe has turned out to be an immensely difficult process due to the old dilemma of states versus nations. Serbia is a good example for the existence of such dilemmas: there are a lot of open questions like the relationship of Serbia and Montenegro, Kosovo, the Albanian question, Southern Serbia, and questions of autonomy like in Vojvodina. The present Serbian government has managed to de-emotionalise these issues. Belgrade accepts the right of Montenegro to decide on its own future. While there is an open dialogue with the rightful representatives of the Albanians in Kosovo, the option of Kosovo’s independence, according to Djindjic, would automatically endanger stability in Macedonia and Bosnia. Today, Serbian politics are characterised by a shift from national issues towards economic reforms and, most importantly, European integration. Integration into Europe is widely accepted as a key to stability and sustainable peace. It requires a lot of efforts on the side of the countries in the Balkans, with increased regional co-operation being an indispensable step. Yet, Djindjic argues, the Balkan countries need greater support from the European Union. Investing there means investing in the future of the European continent.

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