Western Europe and its Historical Engagement in the Balkans

Abstract

The European continent and in particular the Western Europe have always been involved in a range of events and developments. History has always shown and made us aware that the Western Europe in particular has been the cradle and the instigator of many positive developments, as well as many destructive conflicts and wars in the past. Geographically, this region has undergone the great challenges long time ago and it now cherishes the benefits of the mutual organization and cooperation, whereas other regions tend to approach and join the European values, namely the united democratic Europe and its organization as foreseen within the European Union. If we would only take a look at the Balkans, we would see that besides geographically, it is also closely related to Europe politically and economically. The historical period to be considered in this paper is that after World War II, namely the post-Cold War period, after the big changes in central Europe, and the eastern and southern Europe, i.e. the Balkans. The Western Europe, after the declaration of the end of Cold War in particular, will be actively involved in all major events and developments in the Balkans. The turbulences that fell upon this region will present a challenge and often put on the state of alert the western world and the organizations and institutions which emerged as a result of their consistent cooperation. There is no doubt that the Western Europe will have a key role in the ending of hostilities and conflicts, a key role in the development and the realization of strategic aspirations of the Balkan countries in their endeavors to join the NATO Alliance, the EU and other international organizations. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n2s5p238