Study: Political Danger on the Rise in the Balkans

The Institute for International Political Studies, I The SPI, founded in 1934 and specialising in international affairs, underscores that, overall, the region's political risk is above average, while in different countries the level is different.

The highest remains according to the risk institute in Kosovo, followed by Bosnia, Macedonia, Albania, Serbia, Bulgaria and Montenegro. And this, it's related to the presence of heterogenous factors of instability in various geography.

According to the ISPI, recent elections in the region are characterised by strong instability, as in Macedonia's case, objections to the outcome, as in Montenegro.

They have also recorded differences in territorial and ethnic nature in both Kosovo and Bosnia.

The perception of a high political risk and the slowdown of European integration may deter, the institute underlines, the interest of foreign investors. The presence of political, ethnic and territorial divisions has partly slowed the path of some Balkan countries towards the EU.

And in such a situation, says I SPI, major works envisioned in the region could be jeopardised, amid which the trans-Balkan gas pipeline and other infrastructure projects planned by the EU.

Balkan countries' political strategy, role The EU, the EU estimates, will be key elements in the region's prospects and clear economic policy strategies and a greater political commitment towards reforms that would improve the business climate.

On the other hand, the evolution of reports with Europe will be a key element for accelerating or slowing EU integration in the years ahead. /tch