Balkans Legal, Economic and Social Studies (BLESS)

Western Balkans and the European Union Identity: Values, Lifestyles, and European Union Conditionality

Sarina Bakić — 2024-12-04

This paper examines the interplay between the European Union (EU) identity and the identities of countries in the Western Balkans, focusing on shared values, lifestyles, and the role of EU conditionality. It explores how EU-promoted values and lifestyles affects political, social, and economic landscapes in the Western Balkans, especially among the Western Balkan Six (WB6) aspiring for EU membership. Through qualitative case studies of the WB6, the paper analyses the influence of EU conditionality on the adoption of EU values and lifestyles, highlighting the comparison and dynamics of identity transformation during the EU integration process. By drawing on media interviews with policymakers, EU officials, and local stakeholders, as well as policy documents and academic literature, the paper discusses how EU conditionality shapes national identities in the region. It also addresses the challenges and opportunities these countries face in aligning with EU values, presenting obstacles to integration and opportunities for deeper engagement with the EU framework. The findings contribute to understanding the complexities of the EU’s enlargement policy, emphasising the strategic importance of the Western Balkans for the future of EU integration.

Populism in East Central Europe – Sociotheological Considerations

Máté-Tóth András — 2024-12-09

The term 'populism' is used to describe specific forms and techniques employed in contemporary political rhetoric and action. The term has experienced a significant increase in usage over the past few decades, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, but also in other regions such as Brazil and the United States. Given the extensive use of the term, this paper initially examines the various interpretations of populism. In the second part of the paper, an attempt will be made to elucidate the specific historical, social and cultural circumstances and heritages of the region of Central and Eastern Europe. It is hoped that this will facilitate a deeper understanding of why the concept of populism, as defined by Ernesto Laclau, is a useful lens through which to view and interpret populism in this particular region. Finally, some sociotheological aspects of the phenomenon of populism will be investigated.

Constitutional Reform and Reconciliation: Lessons from Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina

Besnik Beqaj — 2024-12-09

This paper examines the role of constitutional reform in promoting reconciliation in post-conflict societies, focusing on Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. These countries, shaped by the violent breakup of Yugoslavia, serve as critical case studies on how constitutional frameworks can either foster peace or perpetuate division. In Kosovo, the 2008 constitution aimed to establish sovereignty while protecting minority rights, particularly for the Serb population. North Macedonia's Ohrid Framework Agreement introduced power-sharing mechanisms that prevented civil war and improved relations between Macedonians and Albanians. Bosnia and Herzegovina, under the Dayton Agreement, illustrates how a complex constitutional arrangement can maintain peace but also entrench ethnic divisions, complicating reconciliation efforts. The paper argues that while constitutional reforms are crucial for conflict resolution, their effectiveness depends on how well they are tailored to the unique needs of divided societies. By analyzing these three cases, the paper identifies key lessons on the potential and limitations of constitutional design in fostering lasting reconciliation.

Strategies to Achieve Foreign Exchange Stability Nearby the Eurozone

Gábor Dávid Kiss — 2024-12-14

Using a panel vector error correction (VAR) model, we assess foreign exchange rate stability in the Central-East European and Balkan countries. Literature defines foreign exchange stability within the Mundell-Fleming dilemma. We show that currency stability is not only reinforced by the monetary policy but also by inflation, workers’ remittances and IMF support programs. We also find evidence that the balance sheet structure difference has similar impact like the conventional uncovered interest parity (UIP). Thus, this paper makes a new contribution to the debate of central bank instruments’ indirect impact on exchange rate stability, while highlighting the fragility of open and small economies.

Yugoslav-Hungarian Relations between the End of World War II and the Hungarian Revolution of 1956

Vukašin Marić — 2024-12-17

The article represents a detailed overview of the complex relations between the new neighbouring socialist countries of Yugoslavia and Hungary in the first decade after World War II. Bilateral relations between the two countries in the years leading to the Hungarian Revolution were influenced by various factors, stemming both from the sphere of international relations and the specific internal development of both states. On the level of international relations, Yugoslav-Hungarian relations until 1948 were developed within the Soviet sphere of influence. This period was marked by mutual cooperation between Belgrade and Budapest, which benefited from close ties established between the party leaders of the two countries. However, the Yugoslav-Soviet split in 1948 made developing a friendly and autonomous foreign policy between Yugoslavia and Hungary impossible. During the following years Yugoslav-Hungarian relations witnessed a steep decline, embodied in propaganda efforts and border incidents, only to lead to a full diplomatic breakdown in 1952. Normalization was to happen only after the death of USSR leader Joseph Stalin in 1953. From that point, internal developments in Hungarian politics played an increasingly important role in the formation of the country's foreign policy toward Yugoslavia. The reformist government led by Imre Nagy pursued the course of normalization of relations with its southern neighbour, which stopped in 1955 after Nagy was replaced with Mátyás Rákosi as head of government. The thawing of relations eventually resumed after Rákosi was deposed during the next year in the whirlpool of events leading up to the Revolution of 1956.