The European Union and the Balkans: Between Symbiosis and Integration? (original) (raw)

Romanian Journal of European Affairs, Vol. 10, No. 3, September 2010

14 Pages Posted: 9 Sep 2010

Date Written: September 8, 2010

Abstract

The European Union continues to constitute an incomplete economic-political entity at intergovernmental and supranational level. The EU is seeking to establish appropriate functional superstructures extending beyond the narrow confines of trade, the economy and free market rules to accommodate its integral progress as a new force for prosperity, democracy and peace in the world. On the map of the Balkans, the local political actors continue to define their choices in line with their historic experience and stereotypes, especially as regards their neighbours and the Great Powers of the moment. The Balkan countries, which in any case are still seeking to consolidate their conventional state structures, need much more time to find their place within this unfinished supranational European structure. In both cases the actors involved, whether in the EU or in the Balkans, are grappling with the challenges of global politics from their different starting-points, but it is not easy to overcome the boundaries of their national sovereignty.

Keywords: European Union, Balkans, International Relations, Geopolitics

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Kentrotis, Kyriakos D., The European Union and the Balkans: Between Symbiosis and Integration? (September 8, 2010). Romanian Journal of European Affairs, Vol. 10, No. 3, September 2010, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1673812