EU-Balkan Observatory

This article, titled The Montreux Convention in the New Geopolitical Context of the Black Sea, by Kıvanç Ulusoy, explores the contemporary relevance of the Montreux Convention in light of shifting regional geopolitics. The paper examines how the dissolution of the Soviet Union and evolving global dynamics have prompted debates over the convention, emphasizing the need to balance Turkish sovereignty, economic transit rights, and Black Sea security. Read the paper here: The montreux convention: a key for understanding the geopolitics of the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea: Southeast European and Black Sea Studies: Vol 0, No 0 – Get Access

This European Commission page provides comprehensive information about the EU’s enlargement process and strategies for the Western Balkans. It includes key publications such as factsheets, the Western Balkans Strategy brochure, and country fiches. For all relevant details and updates, including major reports specific countries, you can visit the page here.

Sava is a river movie, a documentary film and a 990 km journey through countries once united under the umbrella of Yugoslavia. In this film nature has a voice (Mira Furlan), conversing with her people they explore a complex relationship between nature, identity and nationhood. The film not only celebrates the river’s natural beauty but also examines how rivers like the Sava transgress political borders, challenging the divisive narratives often imposed by nation-states. Sava becomes a journey of healing and understanding, offering a unique lens through which to reflect on past conflicts and consider the enduring connections that flow through the heart of the Balkans.

Aida Šehović’s performance Što Te Nema serves as a powerful and moving tribute to the victims of the Srebrenica genocide. This traveling installation, made up of thousands of collected coffee cups (fildžani), creates a temporary memorial that invites viewers to honor the memory of those lost. Through communal participation and a symbol of shared cultural rituals, Što Te Nema transcends borders, fostering collective remembrance and a call for justice.

Slavenka Drakulić’s War Is the Same Everywhere was published in 1999 and is available in multiple languages, including English and Croatian. As a Croatian author, Drakulić was a prominent voice in the 1990s, often critiquing nationalism and war in the former Yugoslavia, which made her a controversial figure in the Croatian public sphere during that time. The book reflects her critical stance on war’s universal brutality, drawing from her experiences during the Yugoslav Wars. Read more: War Is The Same Everywhere – Slavenka Drakulić (slavenkadrakulic.com)

Flašaroši (2023), a Serbian-Slovenian co-production, is a poignant exploration of life in the Balkans, capturing the complexities and shared histories of the region. Through its intertwining stories, the film reflects themes of resilience, cultural identity, and the nuances of post-conflict realities, offering audiences a rich, multi-layered perspective on the Balkans. This cinematic collaboration serves as an important cultural bridge, fostering understanding and connection across borders. Read more in Slovenian: Apokaliptična scenografija, epski kadri in sporočilo: Stekleničarji slavili na Dokudocu – RTV SLO

The story of October 5, 2000, in Serbia is much more nuanced than just the overthrow of Slobodan Milošević. This documentary reveals how the Bulldozer Revolution unfolded, who the key actors were, and why many believe it didn’t really succeed, as the 6th of October 2000 never truly arrived. Watch the documentary in Serbian language: Konačni obračun – dokumentarni film o Petom oktobru ili kako je srušen Milošević (youtube.com)

Proposed plans for lithium mining in Serbia sparked large protests led by ecological activists. This paper critically examines the impact of lithium mining on environment based on the research of test drills in the Jadar Valley in Western Serbia conducted by the mining company Rio Tinto. Read the full article in the Scientific Reports journal: The influence of exploration activities of a potential lithium mine to the environment in Western Serbia | Scientific Reports (nature.com)