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The International Youth Conference in Krushevo explored political dialogue in the Western Balkans, focusing on its role in EU accession processes. The discussion, led by Malinka Ristevska Jordanova from the European Policy Institute, highlighted the various levels of political dialogue: international, multilateral, bilateral, and national. Key challenges faced by countries such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Kosovo were examined, emphasizing the need for robust dialogue frameworks to promote human rights, democratic principles, and regional stability amidst post-conflict dynamics.
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International Youth ConferenceKrushevo, 2-09-2011Political dialogue in the Western Balkan: pleasing the EU or a lesson learned? MalinkaRistevskaJordanovaEuropean Policy Institute - Skopje
Political dialogue Levels: • International • Multilateral • Bilateral • National • Position – opposition • Different groups - Inter-ethnic
Post-conflict political dialogue • Concept of “fragile states” • Crucial - international involvement • Steps • High-level dialogue • CSO involvement – exploring options • Part of planning of peace- building, nation-building, state-building • Multi-level dialogue → national consensus
EU and political dialogue • Internally: • Dialogue as a basis for consensus - Part of the ”embedded acquis” • Externalizing the values of the EU • Political dialogue – essential element of EU bilateral agreements • Promoting human rights and democratic principles through political dialogue
Specifics Western Balkans • SAA: • Bilateral political dialogue EU – each country • Regional political dialogue • Bilateral political dialogue between countries • Normalization of relations
Political dialogue – part of political criteria for EU accession? • CEE’s : • Bilateral political dialogue, Social dialogue, Intercultural dialogue… • But - no “political dialogue” • Exc. Cyprus 1998 “dialogue between communities”
Political dialogue – part of SAP political criteria for EU accession? • Between the countries • Internal political dialogue • Inter-ethnic dialogue • Discussion: Differences between countries?
Countries: Albania • Lack of political dialogue between political parties (EC Reports 1998-2010) • functioning of Parliament • Elections • Appointments → No candidacy
Countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina • “Political dialogue” not in focus? • Functioning of the state • Political obstructionism • Forming a Government
Countries: Croatia • Political dialogue with neighbours more in focus • “Dialogue between Croatian authorities and national minorities” – 2005 • Acceding country: political dialogue - no issue?
Countries: Serbia • Political dialogue with Kosovo in focus • Parliament • Disputes between political parties • “Inflamatory, offensive” language? • Difficult agreement on Rules of Procedure
Countries: Montenegro • Progress Report 2010: The overall commitment of parliamentary parties to respect parliamentary rules and to hold constructive policy dialogue, in particular on EU integration, remains a solid basis for further democratic development.
Countries: Kosovo • 2007: There is no strategy for reconciliation andinter-community dialogue. • 2010: “Dialogue and reconciliation between communities and the protection and integration of minorities, particularly the Kosovo Serbs, are still areas of concern“
Countries: Macedonia • Political dialogue - a critical point since 2006 • Basic meanings: • Dialogue between political parties • Parliament – cases: boycotts, Rules of Procedure, Election Law, Appointments • High-level dialogue – counter-argument: undermining the institutions • Dialogue on implementation of the Ohrid Agreement
Conditionality and Compliance: the case of Macedonia • Technocratic/Utilitaristic Approach • Ticking the boxes • Compromising accession criteria for a compromise on the name issue?
Further discussion: • Political dialogue as part of political culture • Does EU accession “automatically” solve the problem of lack of political dialogue? • Is it just a matter of time? • What to do?