The EU's foreign policy in the Western Balkans : symbolism or substance : the case of Serbia-Montenegro

Abstract

The break up of Yugoslavia left the Western Balkan region in a state of instability, ethnic divisions and fragmentation. The EU became highly interested in the region after the violent conflict of the 1990's and pursued an active foreign policy aiming at progress, conflict prevention and stabilisation of the entire region. Various regional initiatives were initiated with the Stabilisation and Association process (SAP) being the chief force of bilateral relations between the EU and the individual countries concerned. The prospect of enlargement within the EU was presented and it has proved to be a very effective foreign policy tool. It has resulted as the main incentive for the countries in the Balkans to cooperate e1ledivcly with the EU, and to adhere to its criteria. The EU is the largest donor in the region and assists the countries through financial programmes.