The year 2006 seems to have gotten off to a good start as far
as relations between the European Union and the Balkans are concerned
(beginning of adhesion negotiations with Croatia, the recognition
of the status of candidate nation for FYROM, etc.), and could
mark a key stage for the region’s stabilization: the conclusion
of an organic contractual report between Brussels and all of the
countries of the area, thanks to the signing of the remaining
Stabilization and Association Agreements. However, 2006 will also
be a difficult, awkward, and complex year. It will be a year in
which we will have to confront two major problems whose outcomes
may have repercussions on the entire region: the negotiations
on the final status of Kosovo, and the referendum about the independence
of Montenegro. In the year 2006 there will also be two important
appointments for reflection on EU policy towards the Balkans:
the “Gymnich” in March (which the Austrian presidency
would like to dedicate to the relaunching of the commitments of
the Thessaloniki Agenda), and the debate on the future of expansion,
which will also involve those countries on the other side of the
Adriatic Sea.
Italy believes that it is fundamental to maintain a clear “European
perspective” towards all the Balkan countries in order to
ensure stability and prosperity in the region. It is actively
engaging itself in that direction, both on a political and a military
level (by offering a sturdy contribution in soldiers and vehicles
to the missions deployed in Bosnia Herzegovina and in Kosovo),
and also by financial assistance (with a hefty aid to development
and to institution building).
