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The current global economic crisis has generated debate in Europe regarding not only the future expansion of the EU, but the very viability of the European project itself. The discussion regarding the integration of the Balkans in the EU or NATO has been accompanied or even replaced by the question of whether the European project will in fact survive the general economic and social crisis that Europe faces today. While the Balkans still look towards Western European models and standards, Europe itself is suffering a crisis of political deadlock, economic decline, and an increasingly sharp ideological divide. The economic crisis in Europe seems to be partially responsible for the adoption over the past few years of anti-immigrant policies, something also being fed by fears of the future role of Islam in Europe. But these policies have also targeted citizens of European Union countries in Central and Eastern Europe (such as the Roma minority in Romania), as well as those of non-EU Balkan states. A common reason stated for exclusionary policies is to safeguard the jobs of domestic workers. However, this crisis has also fostered the development of a new far right bloc around Europe, having as one of its features the exaltation of xenophobia, fear of immigrants and foreigners in general.
The aim of the issues:
This issue aims at fostering debate and academic discussion regarding contemporary problems facing the Balkan region during a period of severe global economic instability. These include the rise of extremist political groups with violent aims, the continued activity of Balkan-origin organized crime groups, and the Western Balkan countries political and institutional integration with the EU. In this respect, the issue will address themes such as:
The accession of Balkan states to the EU and/or NATO, with particular reference to the experiences of the relatively new EU and/or NATO Member States from South-Eastern Europe.
Perceived threats to Western Europe (in economic, security or cultural terms) posed by Balkan and/or Eastern European states/non-state actors. Are these threats real or exaggerated
What measures can and are being taken to deal with them?
The development of the far right in the Balkans, past, present and future. What conclusions can be made?
Strategies for integrating minorities in the Black Sea areas. What is being done, and how can it be done better?
Current economic issues with regard to the region: trends and directions of trade, labor costs and competitiveness, business perceptions, economic integration etc.
Current political, cultural and diplomatic relations inside the Balkan area;
Balkan organized crime
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