In Sofia, a third national conference entitled "Balkans in the XXI century - Bulgarian Perspective" has taken place. Lecturers from the University of National and World Economy, representatives of the Bulgarian academic community and of the embassies of Russia, Ukraine and Turkey, diplomats, and members of the Student Association for the Study of International Relations discussed geopolitical topics, related to the Black Sea region, Ukraine, and the Balkans.

In an interview for Radio Bulgaria head of the Institute of Economics and International Affairs Lyubomir Kyuchukov answered if EU enlargement fatigue opened new geopolitical gaps on the Balkans.

"This is one of the hottest issues in the political debate in Europe, because there is an underlying view that Russia has been trying to divide the Balkans and that the Ukrainian crisis creates new walls in the region and in Europe as a whole. In my opinion Russia has no political and economic potential to divide the Balkans. The problem is the gradual withdrawal of the EU from a more active position in the region. This is a consequence of the so- called enlargement fatigue that emerged after Bulgaria and Romania, and after that Croatia joined the EU. Europe is on a crossroads and this has largely diverted attention from the enlargement process, in particular in the Western Balkans. The result is EU vacuum in the region, and that includes less security. The decision of the European Commission that by 2020 there will be no further enlargement of the EU is not a surprise, but leads to reducing the intensity of the process and the stimuli for reforms and EU commitment. I would say that the main risks in the region are two. On the one hand this is the revival of nationalism and on the other it is the new dividing lines that emerge in the countries. The EU vacuum will not be filled by Russia, but by radical Islam, splitting societies and creating big gaps in the very heart of the Balkans. This process will inevitably continue to the central and western parts of the continent. And here, I would say that the fight against terrorism can be successful only in alliance with Islam at national and international level, in order to isolate radicalism in Islam. Otherwise, the alternative to this approach would be a global confrontation on religious grounds."

What is the Bulgarian view on the situation?

"In most cases Bulgaria is too focused to follow the common decisions but not very active in their making. It is true that joint decisions are taken in the EU and NATO. All Member States must adhere to them and this is normal. But each country should be involved in making these decisions. I'm afraid that at the moment in Europe there are two main trends in this approach. One is the "anti-Russian" and the other is the "pro-European" approach. I think it is important for Bulgaria to be part of a trend that seeks European dimensions and security with Russia, not security against Russia. This is a position that leading EU Member States such as Germany and France have recently voiced."

English: Alexander Markov