Western Balkans - the impact of territorial disputes on EU enlargement process

Abstract

Since 1991 the Balkan region started to face real changes in terms of geopolitical and geo-strategic and geo-economic perspective. The economic, political and cultural differences between the various peoples inhabiting this area began to be reactivated and gave birth to serious armed conflicts that have left behind thousands of dead. As effect, the economy collapsed across the region. Currently, the reintegration of the Western Balkans to Euro-Atlantic structures represents one of the major priorities of the European Union. Still, the process is facing numerous and difficult obstacles. Among them, the territorial disputes and minority rights continue to represent major challenges for the accession of that space to the great European family.