The persistent strength of the nationalism in the Union continues to compromise the reform process in Serbia and Montenegro, and leaves minorities intimidated and overlooked.
The status of Kosovo threatens increased tensions in South Serbia, whose majority Albanian population wants the region taken into consideration in the negotiation process. Also, relations between Bosniak and Serbian communities are under strain in Sandzak, a majority-Muslim area straddling Serbia and Montenegro. If the referendum for division of the Union in two States will succeed, the region of Sandzak will be cut in half.
The northern province of Vojvodina, long held up as an example of inter-ethnic harmony, has seen in recent times frequent confrontations involving ethnic Hungarians, Croats and Serbs. Roma continue to face widespread discrimination throughout Serbia and Montenegro Union.
The more general exclusion of minorities is reflected in the Serbian parliament, where no minority party has managed to secure representation. The handful of minority MPs belong to mainstream parties, which do not prioritise minority issues.
Serbian radical and nationalist groups are increasingly active in universities. Their doctrine combines a return to the values of the Serbian Orthodox Church, with animosity towards non-Serbian ethnic groups.
Serbia and Montenegro will have difficulty achieving full Euro-Atlantic integration in such an environment.
The more general exclusion of minorities is reflected in the Serbian parliament, where no minority party has managed to secure representation. The handful of minority MPs belong to mainstream parties, which do not prioritise minority issues.
Serbian radical and nationalist groups are increasingly active in universities. Their doctrine combines a return to the values of the Serbian Orthodox Church, with animosity towards non-Serbian ethnic groups.
Serbia and Montenegro will have difficulty achieving full Euro-Atlantic integration in such an environment.
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