The fourth
Belgrade Security Forum (BSF) was held from September 30 to October 2, 2014, on the topic of “Europe 2014 – End, and/or a New Beginning.” More than 450 participants, including high officials from national and international institutions, independent experts, civil society organizations’ representatives, and the media, discussed a number of security and foreign policy issues relevant for Serbia, the region, and the European Union.
“Is it time for a new Balkans Commission?” EFB Panel Discussion Topics:
- What were the most valuable recommendations of the Commission that still apply to the Balkans-EU relations today?
- What is the best way to approach the Western Balkans - EU relations nowadays, bearing in mind the work of the International Commission on the Balkans? Is there a need for a new approach?
- How can attention be drawn to the region after Croatia's accession to the EU?
- How can democratic and economic reforms be accelerated in the region?
- The future of the Balkans: Possible scenarios and their consequences.
At the 2003 Thessaloniki summit, the European Council declared that “the future of the Balkans is within the European Union”, this was a clear promise, stated Hedvig Morvai of the European Fund for the Balkans in her opening address. The new Commission has to constructively promote the EU accession process of the Western Balkan countries, referred Mr. Giuliano Amato, Judge Constitutional Court of Italy. Goran Svilanović, secretary general of the Regional Cooperation Council, concluded that Serbia must not become the poorest among the EU member states. Serbia’s goal should be EU membership in 5 years and 1 day.
President and CEO, International Centre for Democratic Transition, István Gyarmati mentioned Russia’s influence on the Balkans, and shaping Serbian foreign policy toward the EU or Russia. Mr. Jacques Rupnik, Director of Research at CERI (Centre for International Studies and Research), advised to follow the Croatian model: turn nasty nationalists into moderate EU-compatible nationalists and enter as discretely as possible. Dejan Jović, Chief Analyst Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia, pointed out the possibility of a Big Bang enlargement after a 5-year break, naming it the Balkan Express. Vedran Džihić, pointed that the “Business as Usual” approach has to stop, and highlighted that nationality in the EU doesn’t work.
For more information about the 4
th Belgrade Security Forum and Agenda check the following link:
http://www.belgradeforum.org/ 
