By Dr. Sinem Cengiz

Since the breakup of the former Yugoslavia, the Balkan region has been a priority for Turkiye because of its geopolitical proximity and historical and cultural ties. Through its economic and political influence, Turkiye has placed the region within its area of particular interest. As a result, relations with Balkan states have begun to occupy an important place in Ankara’s foreign policy agenda. Since this region’s history has been marked by conflict, fragmentation and chronic instability, Turkiye maintains a calculated and balanced policy toward each Balkan country.

As part of this policy, Turkiye has launched a diplomatic initiative, the Balkan Peace Platform, which held its second meeting in Istanbul last month. The meeting brought together the foreign ministers of Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Serbia. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that the platform has quickly become an important mechanism for deepening dialogue, emphasizing Turkiye’s role as a unifying actor.

While global attention is often focused on regional developments from Gaza to Iran and from Sudan to Yemen, the Balkan region may not appear to be a priority for many. However, despite being a peripheral region, the Balkans has become an arena where several actors, including Turkiye, Israel, Iran, Russia and the Western powers, seek to expand their sphere of influence. Each of these actors has different........

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