Đurić: Cooperation Instead of Balkanization

At the Third Ministerial Meeting of the Balkan Peace Platform in Antalya, Serbia's Foreign Minister Marko Đurić delivered a powerful message, calling for a shift from the historical notion of "Balkanization" to one of robust regional cooperation. Đurić articulated a vision where the Balkans, often stereotyped by division, could instead forge a new paradigm of collaboration. He stressed that the region's future prosperity hinges on the creation of tangible projects that enhance the free movement of goods, capital, people, and services – essential elements for the survival and advancement of each proud nation within the Balkans.

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We have just finished a very successful round of dialogue within the Balkan Peace Initiative, which is gaining momentum and, I believe, is creating a new paradigm of cooperation in this regional context.

Đurić highlighted the critical importance of regional cooperation in the face of unprecedented global crises, particularly in the energy sector. He pointed to the current energy challenges faced by major European economies and underscored Serbia's commitment to establishing mechanisms for energy resource sharing and solidarity. The development of new gas pipelines and collaborative efforts to ensure energy security were presented as vital steps towards regional stability and economic resilience.

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It is not new if I say that our region, the Balkans, is known for the term 'Balkanization' and I must admit that sometimes I wish that, in this era of conspiracy theories, all that 'Balkanization' should actually be some kind of conspiracy of all of us to take over every forum in the world with the number of participants and the number of topics we always bring with us.

Addressing the persistent issue of "brain drain" in the region, Đurić asserted that the only effective solution lies in fostering optimism and creating opportunities that encourage young talent to remain and contribute to their home countries. He linked this to the broader process of European integration, expressing support for initiatives that would allow the region to join the common market and the Schengen Zone. Đurić argued that such integration would not impose costs on European taxpayers but would significantly enhance regional security and mitigate negative nationalist agendas, ultimately benefiting both the Balkans and the European Union.

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Creating new concrete, tangible projects that will open up what is desperately needed, and that is the free movement of goods, capital, people, and services, is something that is our duty.