Three Contradictions with E.U. — Deepen or Ease

Wang Shiyuan 

Abstract: After the end of the Cold War, South-Eastern Europe became the most unstable regions in Europe as the spectra of “Balkanization” lingered once again in Europe. Following the Kosovo War, Europe’s strategy for this region of Europe became increasingly clear. The possibility of the European Balkan had opened, and Europe had made the regionalization of the Balkans an integral part of its long-term strategy. South-Eastern European (SEE) countries, the “Great Black Sea-rim” and the European Union (E.U.) were moving towards the sustainable development goals of a partnership to promote the process of a substantial institutional divide between South-Eastern Europe and the E.U. Meanwhile, the different attitudes towards trading with China, the controversy of multi-speed Europe and accession progress will be the major challenges in the future. This paper predicts the relationship between the E.U. and SEE countries, as they face challenges. The three contradictions are analyzing historical origins and current relationship between the E.U. and SEE countries.

Key words: European Union; South-Eastern European countries; China; accession; multi-speed Europe

JEL codes: F5