open access

https://hdl.handle.net/2115/50907

Border Puzzle : The Results of Disintegration and EU Integration Processes on the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia

英語

2012

Slavic Research Center, Hokkaido University

Eurasia Border Review

3(1)

81-100

Since 1990 seven independent, sovereign nation-states emerged out of one multi-ethnic Yugoslavia: Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Croatia, Kosovo (pending UN status), Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - FYRM), Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia. Disputes over border-line delimitation among former brothers-in-arms have been solved sporadically. International arbitrary decisions are pending. Further fragmentation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, resulting out of poor economic conditions and rivalry between nation-state ethnicities, is a constant threat. There are no reports of border disputes on the Montenegro-Serbian and Macedonian-Serbian border, but even there, ethnic minorities strive for regional autonomy. Management of the Kosovo-Serbian border is under the consideration of Serbia. The borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina are fragile since major energy and traffic issues are related to this issue. The long-lasting Slovenian-Croatian border problem (in particular in the Bay of Venice) has moved from a bi-partisan solution to the European arbitrary court. The EU's integration process shows several stages. Slovenia is a member of the European Union. The EU is looking forward to integrate Croatia by 2013. Montenegro has made substantial efforts in becoming an EU member. Bosnia and Herzegovina, and recently Serbia, are in the initial stages of the EU integration process. Kosovo is not yet seriously involved in the integration process. Macedonia is facing an obstacle to integration from Greece, related to the country's name and history. The reality of cross-border co-operation by members of the EU will be elaborated through the example of a tourism project in the three-border area of Austria, Italy and Slovenia.

紀要論文

Version of Record

1884-9466

AA12497353