‘Culture’ in EU–Turkey relations

Abstract

Contemporary socio-political and economic situations in the countries of SEE greatly influence their mutual relationships which are already bearing heavy loads from the past as well as distinct visions of the future. Politicians are forced to change their own priorities, sometimes even decisions, to fit the daily demands of their coalition partners or the expectations of public opinion which are often influenced by populist officials and media. The government and majority representatives condemning crimes committed in Srebrenica approved the decision of the European Parliament. Yugoslav cultural diplomacy was tuned equally toward West and East and also toward countries of the third world. All Balkan countries are open to global cultural flows but, paradoxically, their institutional systems are still closed towards the products of mass culture of neighbouring countries, particularly in the case of ethno-pop or folk music. International dimensions of national cultural policies of the Balkans primarily focus on transferring knowledge, improving the national image and increasing national influence.