Central Europe Summit Calls for Complete Integration
Leaders meeting in Macedonian city of Ohrid this weekend, used the 15th summit of the presidents of the Central European Initiative (CEI) to urge both NATO and the European Uniion to undertake a full integration of Europe, including many Western Balkan and East European members that currently remain outside of the two most influential Western clubs.
CEI was initially founded on the principle of helping nations in Central and Eastern Europe in their post-communist transition and integration into West European structures like the EU and NATO. Currently comprised of 18 members, since post-enlargement for many CEE countries, CEI has taken on the task of helping the balance of its members achieve full European integration. This includes helping member nations through financial assistance and technical guidance to achieve a market economy, improve their nation’s democracies and social development. Such efforts often coincide with EU requirements for accession.
Kosovo Left Out
Absent from this year’s CEI Summit was newly-independent Kosovo. The nation declared unilateral independence from Serbia in February 2008 and was largely backed by the West, including the United States. Despite this wide recognition, CEI member Serbia does not recognize Kosovo’s statehood and did not accept their invitation to the Summit.
IHT reported on Kosovo’s reaction to being left out…
Kosovo’s leaders reacted with annoyance and insisted an independent Kosovo was a reality that had to be recognized.
“Nobody can ignore the independence of Kosovo,” Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci told reporters on Tuesday while criticizing the Macedonian government.
His deputy, Hajredin Kuqi, told The Associated Press Thursday that he hoped Macedonia’s failure to offer an invitation was due to technicalities in preparing for the event.
“There can be no solution to regional issues without Kosovo’s active participation,” Kuqi said.
While true that Kosovo remains a key part of any consideration regarding the future security and stability of the Balkans and of wider Southeastern Europe, their absence may have allowed for CEI to address a wider range of issues rather than strictly focusing on Kosovo controversy.
Tags: balkans, CEI, Central European Initiative, EU, European integration, kosovo, Macedonia, Ohrid, serbia
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