Building Resilience in Times of Uncertainty COVID-19 Strains and Aspirations in Western Balkans.

Elira Luli
Albanian University

Abstract

Dr. Elira Luli Abstract Subject: Building resilience in times of uncertainty (COVID19); Strains and aspirations in Western Balkans. The global outbreak of COVID-19 did not spare the countries of Western Balkans as well. From the lock-down phase and home-lock-up mode until the gradual reopening, some countries of the region are still dealing with a deterioration of the situation after lifting the quarantine restrictions. Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Bosnia, and Herzegovina have witnessed a progressive increase in rate with the COVID-19 cases, until recently (June 2020). Western Balkans although COVID-19 concerns related to social and economic impact is also caught up in a fragile momentum considering: challenges and aspirations about European path that countries are following, the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue on stagnation; the melding of external forces; slow democratization and transformation process and most crucial building resilience in such an unpredicted and sluggish region. Through a qualitative methodology, this paper aims to weigh-in the current situation and the recession impact caused by COVID-19 in the region, among other strains and concerns. At the same time, it highlights strategic commitments, Western Balkans countries have undertaken regarding Euro-Atlantic integration that is already in place and if there is any dragging risk considering situations pressures at the moment, and after this endurance and trying phase. The conclusion phase will assent to some observations and suggestions about a prospective post- isolation COVID-19 nexus. Keywords: Western Balkans; resilience; COVID-19; challenges; perspectives


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