71 www.hrmars.com/journals The Integration of the Western Balkans- A Need for

Joining the European Union has been the main goal of the Western Balkan countries, no matter of their differences in their political and economical development for almost two decades. Therefore, European integration is almost recognized universally as the key strategy for achieving peace, stability and prosperity for the all countries of the Western Balkans. The realization of this project, with no doubts, can be achieved through the European policy makers ’ involvement in the Western Balkans, which will lead to a positive and long-lasting effect on the management of ethno-political conflict. Concerning the economical part, in general all Balkan countries are small economies and their possible integration would help them a lot becoming part of a big market, more than a help million consumers. But, this might present also an obstacle for companies of these small Balkan countries because the need to compete with other giant European companies. The integration of the Western Balkan countries with provides new members with many benefits in political as well as in economical part. The liberalization of inter-regional trade will help countries in the region to improve their mutual cooperation economically and politically. The membership in the European Union would motivate all countries in the western Balkans to improve and correct the existing problems and opened issues, and to actively undertake and participate for a better future of the Balkans