Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 07/2010

A New Kind of Balkans Drama

Daniel Serwer

June 2010

United States Institute of Peace

Abstract

The Balkans face more trouble in Kosovo as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina • unless the United States and European Union take dramatic steps to get both back on track towards EU membership. • In Bosnia, the international community needs to reconstitute itself as well as support an effort to reform the country’s constitution. • In Kosovo, Pristina and Belgrade need to break through the barriers to direct communication and begin discussions on a wide range of issues. • This brief proposes specific diplomatic measures to meet these needs.