Balkans 2030 – Addressing Challenges to Peace, Security, and Stability

Balkans 2030 – Addressing Challenges to Peace, Security, and Stability

November 21, 2021 – The “Balkans 2030: Challenges to Peace, Security, and Stability” forum, organized by the Institute of Political Studies ‘Sami Frashëri’ and the Center for Advanced Studies, Sarajevo, concluded its sessions on November 19-20 at the Grand Hotel Europa in Shkodra. This critical gathering was convened against the backdrop of escalating tensions and evolving dynamics within the international system and the Balkan region, particularly concerning the actions of Serbia and external influences that threaten to destabilize the existing peace.

The forum brought together a diverse coalition of experts from the Western Balkans, including Albania, Serbia, Bosnia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. The assembly of professionals spanning academia, diplomacy, civic engagement, and politics discussed the burgeoning challenges that pose a threat to the region’s peace, stability, and prosperity.

Key Objectives and Discussions:

Coalition Building: The primary aim was to forge a coalition of regional organizations and individuals dedicated to addressing these emergent threats.
Threat Identification: Participants engaged in identifying immediate and looming threats to the Balkans, with a focus on creating actionable policy proposals to mitigate these risks effectively.
Regional Cooperation: The forum stressed the importance of regional cooperation based on equality, taking into account the unique sensitivities of each country, while staunchly opposing separatist agendas that endanger national sovereignties.

Outcomes and Recommendations: The discussions culminated in a consensus on the need for pragmatic solutions and the promotion of regional collaboration to ensure the collective security and prosperity of the Balkan states. The forum highlighted the critical role of diplomacy and dialogue in overcoming regional challenges and fostering a stable and peaceful Balkans.

Impact and Forward-Looking Statements: The Shkodra meeting marked an important moment for genuine regional dialogue, setting the stage for ongoing collaboration among intellectuals from the Western Balkan countries. By uniting a wide array of regional actors committed to peace and stability, the forum underscored the collective resolve to confront and navigate the complexities of contemporary security challenges. This event stands as a testament to the urgency and necessity of concerted efforts to safeguard the future of the Balkans, emphasizing the power of cooperation and shared vision in overcoming the hurdles that lie ahead.