Georgiana CONSTANTIN, PhD candidate*

Abstract: The following paper analyzes some of the elements of modern day Euro-Atlantic prospects for the Western Balkans. What is the interest for European Union and NATO integration in the region? How, if at all, has this interest changed over time? And what might the future hold for this area, in a time of interesting, albeit, for some, surprising political shifts and changes in mentalities? Particular interest is paid to Montenegro’s ongoing efforts to join NATO.

The paper does not attempt to answer the question of the Western Balkans’ future in depth, but rather it brings to the readers’ attention the necessity of being aware of change as well as some possible upcoming scenarios.

Key words: Western Balkans, Montenegro, NATO, EU, political changes

* Law School graduate, journalist and Political Science Ph.D. candidate at the University of Bucharest. Writer for The Selous Foundation for Public Policy Research News and Analysis in Washington DC, contributor to the Austrian Economics Center in Wien and The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation’s Dissident blog. Also associate researcher at the Center for Security and Science.