STABILITY PACT FOR SOUTH-EASTERN EUROPE: A NEW PERSPECTIVE FOR THE REGION, Bodo HOMBACH

Abstract

South-eastern Europe has been in a troubled state for the last decade. The region has had its problems in the past but recent years have been marked by the destructive influence of an extreme form of nationalism, perpetrated by a bankrupt regime in Belgrade. That does not mean that all others are innocent. But, in many cases, we have seen countries that had their own serious defects turn to a moderate, constructive and pro-European path. The Belgrade regime has shown no sign of that. Indeed, in the run up to the Kosovo conflict it demonstrated all too clearly its reckless disregard for human life and dignity. It precipitated the Yugoslav people yet again into armed conflict. The action taken to stand up against the Belgrade government's unacceptable actions was not the end of the story. Major resources have been applied to the rebuilding of Kosovo. And, more widely, a Stability Pact for the whole of south-eastern Europe was agreed and is being implemented.