As the UK leaves the EU, what should our approach to the Balkans be? Lords Committee launches inquiry
The House of Lords Select Committee on International Relations today invites contributions to its new inquiry which will investigate the challenges facing the Balkans, and question what the UK's policy, particularly beyond Brexit, should be.
The Committee is seeking written evidence from as wide an audience as possible and welcomes evidence from anyone with expertise or experience in the region.
The inquiry will focus on three broad areas:
- The political, social and economic challenges in a number of Balkan states and the UK's policy response.
- The region as an area of competing international influence, including the roles of the EU and NATO, and the interests of Russia and Turkey.
- How the challenges faced by the Balkans effect the UK and what the UK's interests in the region are.
Committee Chairman Lord Howell of Guildford said:
“Tensions and uncertainties in the Balkans remain. Unemployment rates are high, nationalist politics are popular throughout, and the region has become a major route for migrants and refugees into Europe. What impact these challenges to the Balkans have on the UK, what role the UK has in supporting Balkan states in addressing these challenges needs to be investigated, particularly as we leave the EU.
“We want to hear from anyone who has experience or knowledge of the western Balkans and the situation it currently faces, I urge you to get in touch.”
The Committee is inviting written evidence on the issue, to be received by Friday 15 September.
Find out how to submit written evidence here.
