European integration is not just about the possibility of acquiring economic benefits from a significantly better-doing community of states, in the light of an impoverished nation who has been under constant international embargoes for over a decade.

There are a number of ways in which one can be less successful than the other. Starting from individual quests for power and influence on others, the ultimate aim (when it comes to state policies) is to show that you are able to speak up, make your strategies known, even when sometimes you lack the proper tools.

Due to its geo-political and strategic location, the Balkans has been and is still viewed as the political and diplomatic playground of major states. In the majority of cases, this playground has attracted attention due to its internal instability and need for a foreign penetration to calm the spirits down.

Kosovo’s declaration of independence in mid-February was swiftly recognized by the US, major EU powers and other countries worldwide. Interestingly enough, this was not the case with some countries that share their borders with Kosovo. Even though delay and uncertainty in Bosnia is in many ways understandable, Macedonia has no reason to wait. In fact, further delay, is not in its favor and certainly does not serve its ‘top interests’.