A Core Curriculum for European Studies in South Eastern Europe. ZEI European Studies and South Eastern Europe Papers, SEE 1, 2002

Biermann, Rafael and Mintchev, Emil. (2002) A Core Curriculum for European Studies in South Eastern Europe. ZEI European Studies and South Eastern Europe Papers, SEE 1, 2002

Abstract

[From the Introduction]. The Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe, launched in 1999, aims at transforming the region, which was for so long characterized by ethnic nationalism, war, and animosity, into an integral part of a united Europe. This European perspective for the region is to be pursued by different means, including the improvement of the regional infrastructure, promoting investment, building a democratic and civil society as well as securing a peaceful interethnic co-existence. In designing the common European future for the region, one element, namely education, is of crucial importance. Stability through education will certainly prove to be a key factor for achieving lasting peace and prosperity in the region. Bringing the younger generation closer to common European values and institutions helps not only to overcome the centuries old tradition of interethnic rivalry, but also to raise new European minded elites able to successfully pursue the region’s integration into the Euro-Atlantic institutions.