The legitimacy of new regionalism in the European Integration process. From exclusive borders to inclusive frontiers in the Western Balkans

ended

The idea of regional cooperation or regionalism, seen as policy cooperation in different areas among geographically proximate neighbours, has been a main tendency in the foreign policies of the countries, particularly in Europe.The above external explanations of regional cooperation are particularly important in cases of conflictual or post-conflict, developing and aid dependent societies like the Western Balkans. After the armed conflicts that followed the initial proclamation of independence in several of the Balkan countries, a period of consolidation came, along with European integration as well as cooperation and reconciliation efforts. As a result, or we can call it as a consequence, both, WB countries and the EU face the challenge that the accession and integration process needs to be legitimate, efficient, effective, successful and sustainable. Even though negotiations have started and the process is ongoing, it is obvious that WB countries will need to align its existing negotiating structure with the new revised methodology of the EU. The main objective of the project is to deepen research and education in the field of regional cooperation and regionalism, seen as political cooperation. The overall objective will be achieved through research on how new proposals and initiatives in regional cooperation can promote European values at regional level in the Western Balkans. Apart from teaching and research activities, the project fosters dialogue between the academic world an society, including local and state level policy-makers. An international conference, an international roundtable and a closing conference will be organized with an expected target grup of 150 persons. Expected results are: two new courses designed and delivered to 150 students at BA and MA levels, an open database containing scientific publications on the subject, a conference volume, a guide of good practice on regional cooperation and a project webpage.