Meet the Southern Balkans
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4 small and rather young states
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Population of above 8 ME jointly
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Same distance away from Rome, Athens, Istanbul and Vienna and Budapest
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Common history, issues and population patterns between them when compared to the northern Balkans
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All 4 capitals within 200km radius
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Seriously underinvested and neglected region from Ottoman times to present
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Serious challenges in this region
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Serious lack of Infrastructure (roads, energy, hospitals)
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History of war, mistrust and animosity
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Environmental liabilities from Communism
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High emigration outflows especially by Youth
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Lack of institutional capabilities, contentious politics
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Lack of tradition of responsible governing culture, lack of respect of authorities as legitimized actors on behalf of common good
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But: All have experiences major / unprecedented progress in last 5 years in all sectors.
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AGREEI stands for
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The creation of a group similar to:
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Benelux (in Western Europe),
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Visegrad (in Central Europe) and
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Nordic Council (in Northern Europe)
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Benchmarking success and fostering regional cooperation in all sectors : infrastructure, environment, economic cooperation, fight against organized crime, etc
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Creating better living standards which would make EU accession more feasible and realistic
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