Blog site helps bridge EU, western Balkans

Blog site helps bridge EU, western Balkans

A blog site that focuses on EU integration for the western Balkans brings together policy-makers, analysts and students to debate regional issues.

The new website promotes the western Balkans' EU integration. [AFP]

In an effort to promote European integration for the western Balkans and democratic principles, the Balkans in Europe Policy Advisory Group launched a blog forum for discussions on reform processes in the region. The group is a joint initiative comprised of the European Fund for the Balkans and the Centre for Southeast European Studies at the University of Graz, Austria.

Florian Bieber, director of the centre, said the main goals of the blog are to open debate and spark ideas that will help policymakers in the EU to re-engage in the western Balkans.

"The blog is based on the observation that countries in the western Balkans are often not pursuing accession as vigorously as they could. Thus, the blog is about promoting a debate on how the EU integration of the region could be accelerated and given a new dynamic," Bieber told SETimes.

He said the policy group is focused on achieving democratic, prosperous EU member states in the western Balkans.

"The key goal is to promote the consolidation of liberal democracies in the region, including a strong regard for tolerance. It is understood that EU accession is a tool to achieve this goal, not an end in itself," Bieber said.

Bloggers on the site include regional and international experts, officials, journalists and academic institution representatives who exchange their views transparently.

"The Balkans in Europe Policy Blog builds a bridge between social sciences and policymakers," Igor...