Establishment of a new International Commission on the Balkans
The Western Balkans have undergone fundamental positive changes since the mid-nineties. The danger of war is not imminent anymore, and the countries of the region have proven stable enough not to be thrown into chaos by political instabilities. The new spirit of the Bal-kans was demonstrated most recently by the concerted political lobbying effort the govern-ments undertook vis-a-vis the European Union in preparation of the Thessaloniki summit. As the immediate post-conflict stabilization and reconstruction process is coming to an end, the Western Balkans have embarked on a process of transition and development toward integra-tion into Euro-Atlantic structures. The future of the region is embodied in a new generation of opinion- and decision-makers dedicated to reforms and to regional cooperation.
Despite the achievements to date, the stability of the region still rests on weak feet. Reform processes are hindered by the legacy of the past: immense structural challenges, a dire eco-nomic situation, political instabilities and open political questions. The daily political agendas of the governments further paralyze reform processes. Unprecedented amounts of recon-struction and development aid poured into the region have not lead to the expected progress. Due to its interethnic conflicts, weak institutions and geographical position Southeastern Europe is at risk of becoming a center of organized crime and a fertile ground for religiously motivated extremists and terrorists in Europe.
In order to consolidate the progress made to date and to establish themselves as reliable partners for the European Union and other international actors, the countries of the region will have to undergo additional far-reaching reforms, carried by the necessary political will and continuity. The decision-makers thereby depend on targeted and consistent external support to develop civic structures and integrate the region into Euro-Atlantic political, eco-nomic and security spheres. Together with the governments of the region, the European Un-ion has to take the lead.
However, the end of the wars and the changed international landscape has pushed the Bal-kans into the background of public attention. The focus of US foreign policy has been di-rected elsewhere, and new international challenges will continue to distract the attention of the international community. Moreover, even though the pressure to address the crucial po-litical issues in particular is growing rapidly in the region, international response tends to rely on vague rhetoric and ad-hoc measures rather than concerted efforts and integrated longer-term policies. International aid is furthermore expected to be reduced substantially.
Preserving the current status quo will not suffice to achieve lasting peace and stability, and to pave the way for regional and European integration as well as economic prosperity. Addi-tional efforts are required in order to foster and accelerate the transition process. A thorough analysis of the situation in the countries of Southeastern Europe and evaluation of local and international policies and instruments is required. In order to keep transition and democrati-zation in Southeastern Europe on track, parameters for future political decisions along the lines of successful developments in the past need to be formulated. International aid instru-ments in place for the region have to be subject to the necessary evaluation and readjust-ment in view of the changed situation in the region.
In order to induce these developments with new momentum, the Robert Bosch Foundation, the German Marshall Fund of the United States, the King Baudouin Foundation and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation have launched a new International Commission on the Balkans.