In some of the countries of the Western Balkans, criminal groups and political elites have grown increasingly interdependent. In particular, Serbia\u2019s and Montenegro\u2019s societies have suffered the most from these links. The two countries have long been considered frontrunners in the EU integration process, whose final completion, however, is difficult to foresee. Similarly, Albania\u2019s EU negotiating process has also been delayed for years, in part because of the country’s role in global drug trafficking schemes. The crime-politics nexus is contributing to the erosion of the rule of law in several Balkan countries, where the risk \u2013 or reality \u2013 of state capture is increasingly worrisome. In light of recent events, Serbia appears to be the most concerning case as its authoritarian drift currently seems hard to reverse. Which consequences does the situation in Serbia have on other Balkan countries? What impact does state capture have on regional stability? And what is changing for the region’s integration prospects with the EU?<\/p>\n
Edited by Giorgio Fruscione and Bojan Elek.<\/em><\/p>\n By Bojan Elek<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n By Giorgio Fruscione<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n By Jelena Peji\u0107 Niki\u0107<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n By Bojana Jovanovi\u0107<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nThe Fight against Organized Crime in the Balkans: The EU\u2019s Push and Pull<\/a><\/h2>\n
Much More than a Captured State: Top Serbian Institutions Scandals<\/a><\/h2>\n
Fighting Organized Crime in a Captured State: Is Serbia\u2019s \u201cWar on Mafia\u201d Genuine?<\/a><\/h2>\n
The Regional Dimension of a Montenegro\u2019s Local Feud<\/a><\/h2>\n