REGIONAL COOPERATION (Policy Brief 2016/05)
REGIONAL COOPERATION (Policy Brief 2016/05)

Author(s): Sokol Lleshi
Subject(s): Economy, International relations/trade
Published by: AIIS Albanian Institut for International Studies
Keywords: Western Balkans; European Integration
Summary/Abstract: Since the Thessaloniki Summit of 2003, which constituted a land mark event in showing the commitment of the EU towards the European integration of the Western Balkans,high level initiatives such as the Berlin Process have emphasized a new pathway towards EU accession for the countries of the Western Balkans. The context of the so-called enlargement fatigue and the shift from the regalia principle to a more encompassing policy of connectivity and regional cooperation has provided a novel path of development and a different opportunity for the Western Balkan countries. On the other hand, this particular region has experienced political instability, ethnic conflict and tumultuous transitions to democracy and market economy.In this respect, an improvement in intra-regional cooperation by furthering the ‘Connectivity Agenda’of the EU and fulfilling the SEE 2020 strategy increases the chances of congruence between the regional market and democratic institutions of the Western Balkans with the EU market and institutions.

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