Bilateral Agreements and Minorities Focused on the Balkans

Most states are multiethnic societies. When it comes to the international protection of minorities, then, in the first place, the institutional solution is taken into account under international agreements, and according to the decisions made by relevant international organizations. International agreements can be multilateral and bilateral. Multilateral agreements are agreements reached between three and many international entities. Of particular importance are bilateral (bilateral) agreements, which are reached between two international entities. On the issue of minorities, the Balkans is an illustrative case in terms of how important and often vital for the functioning political system such agreement can be. In the 90s of the last century, Europe became a witness to the outbreaks of nationalism. As a result, the Balkans were also involved in ethnic conflicts that were a serious threat to Europe\u27s stability and unity. Of particular importance were the relations between neighboring countries, namely the achievement of bilateral agreements focusing on the protection of minorities. The purpose of this paper is to treat in bilateral terms bilateral treaties and theoretical aspects of minorities. The paper deals with bilateral agreements in different historical periods, given the Balkan region. The focus will be placed on the role of the mother country on the remaining compatriots in the respective country. The study begins by analyzing minority protection in the Balkans. Then, the bilateral agreements reached between the Balkan states will be analyzed. Conclusions will be made on the importance of bilateral agreements, in terms of national and regional internal stability in general. Undoubtedly, the paper will analyze the role of the international factor, international organizations on the position of minorities in the Balkan states