Turkey`s New Approach to the Western Balkans

Turkey is presently among the most active external political actors in the Western Balkans. Yet the perception of its new activism in this part of south-east Europe is often emotional and seldom pragmatic. As such, this paper attempts to provide a non-exhaustive overview of the various aspects of this new Turkish approach to the region. It also aims to provide a sober, facts-based assessment, which can serve as a starting point for an informed discussion on Turkey`s new role in the Western Balkans.