2008 has been a year of many changes for the Balkans. The year began with Kosovo’s declaration of independence on February 17th. Although this decision had been expected, it confronted the international community with a range of new challenges. Like many other states, 22 of the 27 European member states recognised the Kosovo as independent. The EU sent a civilian peace-keeping mission, EULEX, to support the establishment of a democratic state of law. In Serbia, anticipated elections took place on May 11th after Prime Minister Kostunica had resigned. The EU supported the pro-European tendency with the signature of a stability and association agreement. The pro-European democratic party under president Tadic finally won the elections. Serbia further proved its pro-European attitude with the capture of Radovan Karadzic who had been searched for several years by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Bosnia equally signed a stability and association agreement with the EU. On December 15th finally, Montenegro officially applied for EU membership. The negotiations with Croatia are ongoing, whereas in the case of Macedonia different political problems hinder further negotiations.

Photo: www.flickr.com/David Le Masurier