Batı Balkanlarda Güvenliğin Geliştirilmesinde Türk-Sırp İlişkilerinin Katkısı The Contribution of Turkish- Serbian Relations towards Improving Security in the Western Balkans

Stronger ties since 2008 Despite Turkey’s recognition of Kosovo, bilateral free trade agreements and defense cooperation contracts signed Infrastructure, economic contracts, social security (labor/social policies) signed Tri-lateral peace summit participation between both countries, and Bosnia/Herzegovina Srebrenica massacre apology achieved

3 Regional Issues Must be Addressed to Ensure Regional Security Sandžak (+ Preševo Valley) region of Serbia Republika Srpska in Bosnia-Herzegovina Northern Kosovo

Sandžak region Preševo Valley

How Turkey can help Serbia Address the Sand ž ak region and Preševo Valley ‘Decentralize, decentralize, decentralize’ Institute EU-recommended (judicial and economic reforms mainly) with efficiency Balanced economic development throughout the country Proper platform for dialogue with the regions

Serbia’s Role in BiH – Republika Srpska Economic development disparities similar to Serbia’s Sandzak/Presevo regions Inter-ethnic/religious tensions still exist due to increased nationalist rhetoric from a strengthened Republika Srpska

How Turkey can help Serbia Address BiH’s Fragility Balance out development aid and projects between the federal entities; reduce favoritism claims and claims of conflict instigation Encourage reforms within state institutions and constitutional changes Continuously support Serbia’s view on maintaining BiH’s territorial integrity through disapproval of Republika Srpska’s possible secession referendum

Tension in Northern Kosovo Sporadic inter-ethnic clashes between ethnic Albanians and Serbians; politically divided administrative capital Violence, vandalism High unemployment rate (<40%)

Ways to Address N. Kosovo’s Issues Boost civil society measures to address social issues and build capacities; ‘fragility is not investor-friendly’ Encourage Mitrovica’s cooperation with Pristina for internal cohesion by reducing involvement and encouraging stronger state institutions Increase overall reforms and investment to the region

General Recommendations Increase investment – economic downturn has dramatically increased frustration and hostility throughout the Balkans Encourage reforms - if necessary, decentralization for effective administrative purposes Boost civil society efforts – easing burden on central governments, and reduce inter-ethnic mistrust

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