160 likes | 276 Views
International Youth Conference Krushevo , 2 - 09 -2011 Political dialogue in the Western Balkan: pleasing the EU or a lesson learned? Malinka Ristevska Jordanova European Policy Institute - Skopje. Political dialogue . Levels: International Multilateral Bilateral National
E N D
International Youth ConferenceKrushevo, 2-09-2011Political dialogue in the Western Balkan: pleasing the EU or a lesson learned? MalinkaRistevskaJordanovaEuropean Policy Institute - Skopje
Political dialogue Levels: • International • Multilateral • Bilateral • National • Position – opposition • Different groups - Inter-ethnic
Post-conflict political dialogue • Concept of “fragile states” • Crucial - international involvement • Steps • High-level dialogue • CSO involvement – exploring options • Part of planning of peace- building, nation-building, state-building • Multi-level dialogue → national consensus
EU and political dialogue • Internally: • Dialogue as a basis for consensus - Part of the ”embedded acquis” • Externalizing the values of the EU • Political dialogue – essential element of EU bilateral agreements • Promoting human rights and democratic principles through political dialogue
Specifics Western Balkans • SAA: • Bilateral political dialogue EU – each country • Regional political dialogue • Bilateral political dialogue between countries • Normalization of relations
Political dialogue – part of political criteria for EU accession? • CEE’s : • Bilateral political dialogue, Social dialogue, Intercultural dialogue… • But - no “political dialogue” • Exc. Cyprus 1998 “dialogue between communities”
Political dialogue – part of SAP political criteria for EU accession? • Between the countries • Internal political dialogue • Inter-ethnic dialogue • Discussion: Differences between countries?
Countries: Albania • Lack of political dialogue between political parties (EC Reports 1998-2010) • functioning of Parliament • Elections • Appointments → No candidacy
Countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina • “Political dialogue” not in focus? • Functioning of the state • Political obstructionism • Forming a Government
Countries: Croatia • Political dialogue with neighbours more in focus • “Dialogue between Croatian authorities and national minorities” – 2005 • Acceding country: political dialogue - no issue?
Countries: Serbia • Political dialogue with Kosovo in focus • Parliament • Disputes between political parties • “Inflamatory, offensive” language? • Difficult agreement on Rules of Procedure
Countries: Montenegro • Progress Report 2010: The overall commitment of parliamentary parties to respect parliamentary rules and to hold constructive policy dialogue, in particular on EU integration, remains a solid basis for further democratic development.
Countries: Kosovo • 2007: There is no strategy for reconciliation andinter-community dialogue. • 2010: “Dialogue and reconciliation between communities and the protection and integration of minorities, particularly the Kosovo Serbs, are still areas of concern“
Countries: Macedonia • Political dialogue - a critical point since 2006 • Basic meanings: • Dialogue between political parties • Parliament – cases: boycotts, Rules of Procedure, Election Law, Appointments • High-level dialogue – counter-argument: undermining the institutions • Dialogue on implementation of the Ohrid Agreement
Conditionality and Compliance: the case of Macedonia • Technocratic/Utilitaristic Approach • Ticking the boxes • Compromising accession criteria for a compromise on the name issue?
Further discussion: • Political dialogue as part of political culture • Does EU accession “automatically” solve the problem of lack of political dialogue? • Is it just a matter of time? • What to do?