In the beginning, to point out that we are sustainable and natural part of EUROPE. SEE as region, has political ties (some countries are EU/NATO member states, some are heading in that direction), as well economical relations are more than sufficient as evidence, to see which countries in the world (the answers is: EU most developed countries) are biggest importer of the goods and services that are manufactured by the factories placed in SEE.
Furthermore or in the foundation of exemplars lays the truth, that we are culturally connected. All together, we can contribute and make added value to the process of EUROPEAN INTEGRATION, EUROPE based on differences, but also modern EUROPE it is exemplar of how countries can be part of reconciliation process and driving force of joint political and economical projects for better future, space where ideas, movement of people and trade including services are based on certain legal rules and requirements, but fair and equal for all, for states, for companies, for individuals…
It is fairly visible, without copy-pasting that model of integration of EU can be used as exemplar where and how is SEE as space headed for, but also with our values, based on traditional role in the past, SEE can complementary contribute toward the bigger picture, EUROPE from Atlantic (Portugal) to Ural and beyond toward greater role in the geo spatial concept of EuroAsia.
SEE, it has to embedded the democratic norms from developed countries from the west, to cooperate with its European neighbors in terms of North and central regions of the continent, implement best practices when it is about human rights, gender and minority issues, as well to further improve its mechanisms to react to reforms-judicial and eco-social aspects of daily living of our citizens. Potential in terms of resources are here, but to mention that the most precious resource it is human capital, people come and go, all across the Europe it is open space without borders, but SEE politicians, as well societies(within SEE space) in general, should take in consideration that if SEE wants to play comprehensive and relevant role in the theatre called EUROPE should deliver results and display alternative (economical, cultural and visionary) to those people that are willing to go further than SEE.
SEE has its own advantages, that can be threatened by certain historical legacies, but as well, has been seen as certain gate (from external influences) in the past toward west, the gate that now it is open, furthermore it is displaced and SEE has potential in terms of civil societies to be involved as relevant stakeholder in the processes of defining EUROPE (and EU as supranational or club of member Nation states) and further more in the project of globalization with advance technological evolution.
Is it difficult? No, BUT, it dares courage and political will, as well experience, charisma and vision for the future, even further than that, our, joint future.
CULTURE IS EVERYTHING (quote by Gerstner)
Written by: Tomislav Jovanovski