Research: History of the Council of Europe post-1989. Relations with the Countries of Former Yugoslavia
After the opening of the Communist bloc and the fall of the Wall, the Council of Europe matured as a forum for democratic exercise and as a pan-European forum. It is seen as a place where 'European consciousness' lies. In the context of a Europe of concentric circles, the Council represents 'Greater Europe'. The research aims to investigate the history of the Council of Europe after 1989, with a particular focus on its relations with the countries of the former Yugoslavia. The study will analyse the Council's role in the delicate phase of democratic transition and its efforts towards their rapprochement with 'Petite Europe'.
To achieve this goal, it is necessary to analyse the work of the Venice Commission, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, parliamentary and intergovernmental relations, as well as initiatives such as the signing of the Association Agreement with the Fonds de ré-etablissement and accession to the European Cultural Convention. Furthermore, it is essential to trace the stages of the adhesion process, beginning with obtaining the status of 'special guest' and ending with the implementation of aid programmes aimed at democratic transition, such as 'Démosthène', 'Démosthène-bis' and 'Local Democracy'. Additionally, other pan-European policy programmes and instruments, such as Monitoring and Pilot Cooperations, should be considered.
The study will be conducted using the appropriate method of historical research. Sources will be traced from both online and physical archives, first of all the Council of Europe’s Archives in Strasbourg.