OVERVIEW OF THE PANEL DISCUSSIONS


Introduction

SOUTH EAST EUROPE IN THE TIME OF INTERDEPENDENCY

The Balkans are not an island. They are bound through a double thread with the rest of Europe. Historically and culturally, the mutual influences are numerous. Starting from a case study - the big automobiles factory ‘Zastava’ in Kragujevac, Serbia – a summary of the economic and social dynamics in South East Europe. Is it coming closer to or moving away from the European Union?


Session I

LOCAL AND NATIONAL: IDEAS FOR A SUSTAINABLE INTEGRATION

It could be called ‘the end of production’. In many areas in the Balkans the economy is not based on manufacturing anymore but on trading. Wars, deregulation and over-dependency on international aid have created unsustainability and imbalances. What is the space left to new national economic policies in a globalised world? And what is the place left to autonomous local economies that could really bring out resources and specificities of the territories?


Session II

LOCAL DEVELOPMENT AND SELF-GOVERNMENT

Local development is not only about economy. It is also about individual responsibility, community-building, spaces for autonomy as well as the local institutions’ ability to self-government. Based on the experiences of Macedonia and Croatia, a reflection upon the role and the potentials of local stakeholders. Which is the relation between democracy, participation and sustainable economy?


Session III

BETWEEN SOLIDARITY AND ECONOMIC INTERNATIONALIZATION: GOOD PRACTICES WANTED...


Numerous are the ways of ‘doing cooperation’ with South-East Europe. And they do not always communicate among themselves. What is the relation between the economic internationalization of the Italian system and the solidarity approach of the civil society? Are local institutions able to promote coordinated policies for coherent, sustainable interventions? What is the role of the local communities in the Balkans? An exchange of ideas among the actors on the field.



OVERVIEW OF THE ROUND TABLE


Round Table

RELAUNCHING THE INTEGRATION. LOCAL SYSTEMS IN THE EUROPE OF REGIONS

The Europe of regions: a slogan or a realistic perspective for the Balkans? How can local systems be strengthened in countries that where shaped along nationalistic aspirations? Policy makers and analysts will discuss about the future integration of South East Europe. And will reflect – like in a mirror - about the future of the entire European Union.