Slovenia keen to build bridges between Europe and the Balkans

Slovenia's understanding of the complex problems of the western Balkan region can aid states seeking membership
Slovenia eu talks
Complex problems ... a demonstrator waves the Serbian flag during a protest against the independence of Kosovo from Serbia in front of the EU headquarters in Brussels in 2008 Photograph: Olivier Papegnies/EPA

Delegations from Serbia and Kosovo met in Brussels last week for talks for the first time since the proclamation of Kosovo's independence in 2008.

Kosovo considers its national status is settled, whereas Serbia refuses to recognise its former province as a country. To get round this, Brussels hopes to foster dialogue on practical issues such as free movement of persons and goods, and the rule of law.

The encounter may not be enough to reassure those who advocate EU membership for Balkan nations. Existing members fear an influx of immigrants from the south, especially after the "Arab spring".

The Slovenian prime minister, Borut Pahor, said that "as a result of the crisis, enlargement is no longer such a high priority and now ranks too low on the European agenda. People in Brussels take fright when you mention the Balkans. It all seems so complicated that they instinctively suggest it should be dealt with later."

Slovenia has a population of only 2 million, but is an important bridge between Europe and Balkan applicants for membership. It is the only country in the western Balkans to have joined the EU (in 2004) and offers to act as a go-between. Last year Slovenia organised a meeting of six Balkan countries to kick-start European integration.

"The region is at a crossroads," said Pahor. "If we decide we can make do with peace, with no need to settle other multilateral issues, we will miss a unique opportunity to achieve reconciliation and prosperity. In the near future we may have to deal with an unpredictable situation," he warned, referring to powerful social unrest in Albania and Serbia since January.

One option considered by Europe is to reach a compromise on the status of northern Kosovo, around the town of Mitrovice, which is still divided, with Serbs on one side of the river Ibar and ethnic Albanians on the other.

Slovenia is keen to have its say on Turkey's bid to join the EU, which it endorses despite the misgivings of several countries, including France.

"It would be a mistake to force Europe to speed up the accession process for Turkey but we must continue what we have started," Pahor said. "Turkey needs to be convinced that the EU is prepared to accept enlargement at some point. In the long term it would be in Europe's interest for Turkey to join."

This article originally appeared in Le Monde.