The Western Balkans region holds vital strategic importance for transatlantic security. Following the collapse of the Former Yugoslavia, the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have actively contributed to regional stability both in the form of peace missions and through offering the regional countries integration prospects with the transatlantic structures. Amidst years of enlargement fatigue, Russias' invasion of Ukraine has underlined the significance of the integration of the Western Balkans into the transatlantic institutions. This article examines the recent developments in the Western Balkans and analyzes the prospects for the Euro-Atlantic integration of the regional countries.
Gen Z support for Ukraine is declining, and skepticism towards the existing security architecture is rising-what is happening to the age group that makes up one-third of NATO's population? The subfactions that make up Gen Z have left the generation critical and dissatisfied with the current global security architecture and NATO. The defining characteristics of the "digital generation," which include deep polarization, anti-imperialism, and anti-hypocrisy, compound with Russian disinformation, and misinformation more broadly, steering the young generation away from NATO and weakening the Alliance's resilience and readiness. NATO should be cognizant of mending this divide to combat the decreasing enlistment rates across NATO countries and develop future political will for the sustainment of the Alliance. To reverse this phenomenon, NATO members should integrate Gen Z dialogue into their political processes, particularly with those who are critical of the current security architecture.
Although Greece and Albania share extensive historical, economic, social, and security ties due to their NATO membership, their bilateral relations from time to time have been problematic, raising concerns for the broader Western Balkans. Several unresolved issues between Athens and Tirana that have their roots in the past prevent the normalization of their relations and, as a result, create obstacles for Albanias' EU accession process. The respect of the Greek minority rights in Albania, the delimitation of maritime zones, Greeces' Law of War with Albania, the Cham issue, that Tirana unilaterally raise the refusal of Athens to recognize the independence of Kosovo and the arrest of the elected member of the Greek National Minority Mayor of Himare are some of the issues between the two countries. It is the aim of this article to study recent normative and empirical discourse to argue that the normalization of the relations between Albania and Greece is crucial for the EUs' enlargement with the countries of Western Balkans and for the stability of the region in general. Within this context, this article analyzes the historical background of the bilateral relations between Greece and Albania, evaluates the current economic, social, and political situation, and presents some policy proposals before reaching a conclusion.
This article argues that recent European Commission and NATO initiatives aim to stabilize the Western Balkans amid geopolitical upheaval from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Historically, the region has struggled during global transitions due to its strategic location and external influences, leading to entrenched authoritarian regimes that exploit nationalism and corruption. Despite significant EU support, these regimes obstruct reforms, undermining transparency, and accountability. Economic stagnation and mass emigration exacerbate instability. The article suggests that the Western Balkans' precarious position necessitates a credible, concerted effort by external actors to mitigate these challenges and support irreversible progress away from conflict legacies.
This article argues that the energy security of the Balkans is fundamentally dependent on the region's further integration with the European Union. Energy security is conceptualized as strategic autonomy, essential for mitigating the risks of external political influences and coercive leverage, particularly from Russia, which has historically used its energy resources to exert power over European countries. Initially, the concept of energy security will be elucidated within the context of recent global political developments, particularly the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Subsequently, the current state of energy affairs in the Balkans will be analyzed, highlighting existing challenges and dependencies. Finally, the article will explore potential strategies and avenues, such as Caspian basins and Eastern Mediterranean resources, to enhance the region's energy security and autonomy, emphasizing the critical role of EU integration in achieving these goals
