Published by the Authority of the House of Lords
HOUSE OF LORDS Select Committee on International Relations
1st Report of Session 2017–19 HL Paper 53
Copyright: www.parliament.uk
Publication date at RIEAS web site (www.rieas.gr) on 14 January 2018
Summary
In the 20th century, the Western Balkans endured a number of serious conflicts—each following periods of complacency, meddling or inattention from the international community, each expanding beyond the borders of the region, and each involving the UK. It is a region which, in many respects, remains in the shadow of the wars of the 1990s. Whereas many of its neighbours have progressed, political instability, inter-ethnic tensions and the competing influence of third countries have slowed progress towards regional reconciliation and greater consonance with the rest of Europe. The region suffers from authoritarian leadership, weak democratic institutions and serious challenges from organised crime and corruption. This situation is exacerbated by uncertainty about EU accession, a brain drain of young and educated people, and a rise in extremism and anti-democratic nationalism....Read more