This year marks the 20th anniversary of the historic “Synod of Thessaloniki”, which gave rise to great and ultimately unfulfilled hopes for the integration of the Balkan countries into the EU. It was also a time when Greece dominated the region economically and politically, and the fact that the meeting was held in Thessaloniki was both symbolic and practical.

Unfortunately, the events of that time did not live up to expectations. The EU has declined on the issue of integrating the Western Balkans, while Greece, which could have played a leading role, from 2010 onwards, under the weight of the crisis, was forced to forcibly secede from the Balkans, which was accompanied by a loss of prestige and influence. . In addition, the “historical” problems of the past that had been lurking resurfaced, and the resulting political vacuum was quickly filled by “third” countries such as Turkey, Russia, and China.

Today the situation is different. The EU (and the West as a whole), under the pressure created by the war in Ukraine, refocused its interest on the region, and our country largely regained its position. Indeed, after many years it can be said that today Athens has good relations with all the Balkan countries, which allows them to play an important role in shaping European policy towards the countries of the region. Significantly, in total, the Minister of Foreign Affairs held 31 bilateral meetings with the highest officials of the Western Balkans (presidents, prime ministers and their counterparts).

With traditionally friendly countries such as Montenegro and Serbia, relations remain excellent despite Turkey’s attempts at political and economic penetration. In addition, the intensification of contacts between Athens and Pristina not only did not negatively affect relations with Serbia, but, on the contrary, made Greece a reliable interlocutor for the two sides who want an active role for our country. It is no coincidence that a few days before Saturday, a meeting between Serbia and Kosovo took place in Ahrid, with the participation of EU representatives. and the United States, the Greek Foreign Minister met in Pristina with the political leadership of Kosovo, and upon his return had contact with the EU mediator. Miroslav Lajček to inform him of what was distributed.

With Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece also offers good faith services in the same direction, that is, to avoid a new major crisis, and is also negotiating with all parties and the EU. The strengthening of relations with Croatia in recent years has also played an important role in these efforts. With North Macedonia, despite the problems that from time to time see the light of the faithful implementation of the Prespa Agreement, Greece has a smooth and friendly partnership within NATO, even taking over the surveillance of the neighboring country’s airspace. while at the same time supporting the prospect of joining the EU. Relations with Skopje have also multiplied in the economic sphere, while we should not lose sight of the fact that North Macedonia supported our country at the time when Turkey launched a hybrid attack on Evros.

Albania is also experiencing significant climate change. Rama’s forthcoming visit, even for the opening of his own painting exhibition, indicates a significant improvement in bilateral relations. The fact that Albania declared national mourning for the victims of Tempe was also significant in terms of symbolism. But in essence, there is an agreement in principle to apply to the International Court of Justice in The Hague on the issue of delimiting the EEZ, which is an important step for relations between the two states. Of course, the problems (as sometimes with the Greek ethnic minority) did not magically disappear. But they can be dealt with more effectively than in the past, given a common will to improve relations, from which both sides benefit.

In the Eastern Balkans, our relations are even better than in the pre-crisis era. The war in Ukraine underlined the importance of Alexandroupolis to the security of Bulgaria and Romania, while the energy interconnection is no less important to the energy security of Bulgaria. In addition, the acquisition of Enel Romania by PPC testifies to the investment/economic recovery of our country.

Finally, at this geopolitical juncture, there is a positive synergy between the tightening of our strategic relationship with the US and our increased role in the Balkans. One helps and nourishes the other.

As the public focused on Turkey and Turkish aggression, this substantial recovery and the rise of Greece’s role in the Balkans, which constitute its natural hinterland, went unnoticed. It only takes a little knowledge of history and geography to understand the importance of the stability and European integration of the Balkans for the security and economy of our country. Greece, which maintains good relations with all parties, with a developed economy and strong EDs, can confidently rise above the petty squabbles, ethnic strife and anachronistic libertarianism that have historically plagued the region to fulfill its stabilizing and leading role in Southeast Europe.

* Mr. Alexandros Diakopoulos – Vice Admiral P.N. (e.a.), former advisor to Ethn. Safety, ELIAMEP Special Consultant.