Podgorica, (MINA) - Identity issues are still among the key challenges in the Western Balkans, it was assessed at the opening of the WB Peace Forum in Podgorica, along with the notion that peace in the region must be built and protected through the EU integration process.

The WB Peace Forum is organized by the Post Conflict Research Center and the Center for Democracy and Human Rights, aimed at opening a dialogue on the prevention of identity-based violence, democratic resilience and transitional justice.

EU Ambassador to Montenegro Johann Sattler said in his opening remarks that the EU accession process is not just bureaucratic alignment with legislation, but a strategy for peace and a guarantee of stability.

Sattler pointed out that looking at the newsfeed every morning he is reminded that these issues are not abating, but are rather on the rise.

He said that during his tenure in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) he experienced both the fragility but also the resilience of a post-conflict society.

“I saw how an entire society can be paralyzed by identity differences, and how fear can easily be reignited. But also, how politicians use and abuse those issues”, said Satler.

Sattler pointed out that the identity issues related problems in the EU countries have been reduced, adding that this is something they have been working towards in the WB for years.

“The enlargement process is not just bureaucratic process of alignment with EU legislation, but a peace strategy and a guarantee for stability”, said Sattler.

As he added, across the region, identity narratives are once again being re-instrumentalized, fueled by the incredible speed and destructive potential of social networks, which accelerates polarization.

“This is reinforced by political rhetoric that hardens divisions, and, yes, I am concerned that societies are no longer making the efforts proportionate to the threats to peace”, Sattler said.

That, as he emphasized, must change.

“We have to understand that identity in itself is not a problem. There are roughly 100 distinct indigenous ethnic groups in Europe, and there are dozens of religious identities in Europe. That has never been a problem, diversity is Europe’s strength”, Sattler stressed.

Velma Saric of the Post-Conflict Research Center said that the WB Peace Forum should be a platform for reflection, dialogue and connection of local realities with regional and international processes.

“We created this forum because we believe that peace in the WB is directly connected to European security and the future of the EU”, said Saric.