I am very pleased to be in a position to present this valuable set of papers marking the fifth edition of the international conference "Security Challenges in the BaIkans", an annual event jointly organized by the West University of Timisoara and the New Strategy Center. Cooperation with the New Strategy Center is very important for the West University of Timisoara and we are proud that this series of conferences have been instrumental in building o successful platform for dialogue on security-related subjects of great interest to the regional and international actors and to Romanian academic and scientific community in porticular. This collection comes at the right time bringing together some of the best available expertise to recommend it as required reading for those who want to understand the complex and dynamic realities of South-East Europe.

Prof. Dr. Marilen Pirtea, Rector.

West University of Timisoara

This collection of essays is a praiseworthy scholarly contribution to the study of current developments, historical roots and European prospects of the countries forming the important region of South-East Europe. traditionally, and sometimes disparagingly and inaccurately, described as the Balkans', but without which Europe can never be whole. The authors, distinguished political scientists and former senior diplomats, draw on their own well-documented research end on the proceeding of the four preceding conferences on "Security Challenges in the Balkans" held annually in Timisoara to present a comprehensive picture of the progress in implementing the mutual commitments of the countries in the region and the European Union, with a specific emphasis on security implications. We at the New Strategy Center highly value our most rewarding cooperation with the West University of Timisoara, now once more confirmed by the joint effort to produce this remarkable book.

Ambassador Sergiu Celac. Honorary Chairman.

New Strategy Center