Thirty years ago, a country called Yugoslavia disappeared from the European map. This federation of Serbs, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro (Montenegro) and Kosovo was one of the largest and most important countries in Eastern Europe during the Cold War. However, as ethnic contradictions intensified and the economic crisis intensified, the multi-ethnic state eventually fell apart, leaving seven independent countries that embarked on different paths of development.
The roots of the disintegration of Yugoslavia can be traced back to the 80s of the 20th century. With the upheavals in Eastern Europe and the end of the Cold War, Yugoslavia's ideological foundations began to falter. At the same time, the national contradictions within the federation became increasingly acute. The dispute between Serbia and Croatia, the two largest republics, became the flashpoint. In June 1991, Slovenia and Croatia declared independence, kicking off the disintegration of Yugoslavia. Immediately afterwards, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Macedonia also declared independence. A protracted civil war broke out in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which did not end until 1995. Kosovo declared independence in 2008 after an armed conflict, but it has not yet been universally recognized. Montenegro, the last independent country, peacefully broke up with Serbia in 2006.
Thirty years later, the former Yugoslav republics have grown into seven independent states. Some of them have joined the European Union, some are still on the fence, some are developing rapidly, and some are still struggling to rebuild after the war. In any case, they are trying to overcome the difficulties of the early years of independence and find their place in the international arena.
Slovenia is undoubtedly the best of them. This small country in the southern foothills of the Alps, thanks to its developed economy and stable politics, joined the European Union and NATO back in 2004. Today, Slovenia is a modern European country, but it also faces challenges such as an aging population and refugee problems.
Croatia followed suit, joining the European Union in 2013. As a country deeply traumatized by war, Croatia has made great strides in economic reconstruction and national reconciliation. The booming tourism industry has brought considerable income to Croatia. But slowing economic growth and high youth unemployment continue to plague the Balkan country.
Serbia, as the "big brother" of Yugoslavia in the past, went through a difficult period after its disintegration. The Kosovo issue, the war crimes allegations, have isolated Serbia in the international community. In recent years, Serbia has actively pursued political and economic reforms, worked to repair relations with the European Union, and sought to join the European Union. However, the problem of corruption and the lag in the building of the legal system remain challenges that Serbia needs to overcome.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is perhaps the most special of the Yugoslav republics. The country was deeply scarred by the three-year civil war. After the war, Bosnia and Herzegovina was divided into Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina according to their ethnic composition, forming a loose confederation. Complex political systems, ethnic divisions, and a sluggish economic recovery have made Bosnia and Herzegovina's development difficult. Despite this, Bosnia and Herzegovina is still working hard to advance political and economic reforms and seek to join the European Union.
After the breakup of Yugoslavia, Macedonia was locked in a decades-long dispute with Greece over the name of the country. In 2018, the two countries finally reached an agreement, and Macedonia was renamed the Republic of North Macedonia. After resolving the issue of the name of the country, Macedonia has accelerated the process of the EU and NATO, but it will take time to solve the problems of political stability and national reconciliation.
Kosovo, the youngest Balkan country, unilaterally declared independence in 2008 but has yet to be universally recognized, including by Serbia. As one of the poorest countries in Europe, Kosovo faces a number of problems, including lagging economic development, high unemployment, and high levels of corruption. How to achieve national reconciliation and promote economic development is an issue that needs to be solved urgently in Kosovo.
Montenegro was the last country to peacefully break away from Serbia. After independence in 2006, Montenegro actively pursued political and economic reforms, joined NATO in 2017, and is currently a candidate for the European Union. But the small country, which is dominated by tourism, is also facing challenges such as slowing economic growth and high external debt.
The disintegration of Yugoslavia was an important event in the history of Europe in the 20th century. It marks the end of an era and heralds a new beginning. Thirty years have passed, and seven independent countries have embarked on different paths of development. Some of them are already integrated into the European family, while others are still hesitant to do so. What is certain, however, is that the wounds and problems left by the disintegration of Yugoslavia still require long-term efforts from those countries to repair and resolve.
The national question, economic development and political stability are common issues facing all the post-Yugoslav countries. How to find a balance between national reconciliation and their own development, and how to strike a balance between integrating into Europe and maintaining their own characteristics, will be a test of the wisdom and courage of these countries.
In the 30 years since the disintegration of Yugoslavia, the fate of the seven countries has been different. However, we believe that as long as we adhere to the path of peaceful development, national reconciliation and mutually beneficial cooperation, the former Yugoslav republics will certainly be able to overcome all kinds of challenges on the way forward and achieve lasting peace and development.