oiip

02.10.2023
18:00 - 19:15

Executive Summary Balkans on fire again

The Western Balkans has been in a limbo for a while with no major progress towards the EU and democracy in general. Instead of steady democratization in the region we witnessed a gradual autocratization, most prominently in Serbia, and constant rise of crisis and tensions. In the course of last few months the political crisis between Kosovo and Serbia as well as in Bosnia and Herzegovina has turned into a major security challenge for the West and the whole region. Last week’s attack of Serbian paramilitary forces in the North of Kosovo, followed by harsh anti-Albanian propaganda from Belgrade, shows once again the fragility of the region. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Milorad Dodik, president of the Republika of Srpska, continues to challenge state institutions and the West, repeatedly threatening secession and unilateral steps. While Russia’s influence is looming over the region, the West has rather tried to appease Serbia so far. How dangerous is the current situation between Kosovo and Serbia? Are we on the brink of yet another major conflict in the Balkans? What role should the NATO play? And ultimately, will the West find an answer to new political and security challenges?

Welcome:
Wolfgang Petritsch
President, Austrian Institute for International Affairs (oiip)

Panel:
Adi Cerimagic
Senior Analyst, European Stability Initiative (ESI)

Donika Emini
Executive Director, CiviKos Platform, member of BiEPAG

Majda Ruge
Senior Policy Fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)

Stefan Lehne
Senior Fellow at Carnegie Europe

Moderation:
Vedran Dzihic
Senior Researcher, Austrian Institute for International Affairs (oiip)

In cooperation with the Ministry of Defence bmlv.

Online participation via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81845029791

The discussion will be held in English.

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