Slovensko a západný Balkán. Rok 2008 – predtým i potom
Slovakia and the Western Balkans. The Year 2008 – Before and After

Author(s): Július Lőrincz
Subject(s): Politics, Geography, Regional studies, Economic policy, International relations/trade, Developing nations
Published by: Research Center of the Slovak Foreign Policy Association (RC SFPA)
Keywords: Slovakia; 2008; foreign policy; Western Balkans; economy; development assistance; Kosovo;
Summary/Abstract: It is hard to categorize Slovak foreign policy towards the Western Balkans and the issues related to the development of this region in South East Europe, in terms of a specific time or space, defined by a date or border. In this portrayal of Slovak activities in 2008, the following text will focus on three sets of issues which transcend these limits – economic cooperation, development assistance, and the status of Kosovo. Why focus particularly on these issues? Through its active foreign policy and diplomatic activities, the Slovak Republic has gained authority and a trustworthy position in the Western Balkans. This is evidenced by the three exceptional tasks entrusted, in recent years, to Slovak diplomats operating at a multilateral level as responsible representatives of the international community. At the same time, Slovakia has developed good mutual political relations with all the successor states of former Yugoslavia. However, in the long term, this has not been reflected in economic and trade relations, which lag behind the political sphere, nor in our economic and trade positions, compared to those of our neighboring or partner countries.

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