Milo Đukanović in Sarajevo: The European perspective of the Balkans is increasingly uncertain

(Patria) - Former President and Prime Minister of Montenegro Milo Đukanović stated at the Faculty of Political Sciences in Sarajevo that the situation in the Western Balkans region is worse today than ten years ago. As he stated, the European perspective of the region's countries is becoming increasingly unclear, and both the European Union and the Balkan countries themselves bear responsibility for this.

"The EU is showing less and less determination to continue the enlargement process, while on the other hand, regional countries have neglected reforms. At the same time, geopolitical relations have deteriorated, and the Western Balkans have found themselves on the margins of global attention," said Đukanović.

He added that the region is still burdened by inherited problems that keep it lagging behind the rest of Europe, and that further development will depend on the outcome of the new geopolitical order that is currently taking shape.

Speaking about the relations between Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Đukanović recalled their different phases, including Montenegro's mistakes in the 1990s. However, he emphasized that Montenegro soon took the right course and became a factor of stability in the region, especially after the independence referendum and during a period of strong European enthusiasm.

However, he adds that the stagnation on the European path has led to the strengthening of nationalisms, which has negatively affected good neighborly relations.

"Montenegro today is more exposed than ever to the influences of Greater Serbian nationalism, and precisely these influences are worsening relations with neighbors, including BiH and Croatia," concluded Đukanović.