The Balkans is approaching the historical year of 2014.

Eyes are going to turn to the region where 100 years ago the great European war started with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo.

But 2014 could also be a historic year in the process of European integration: With courage and the necessary political will, 2014 will be a year in which outstanding political disputes are resolved and the entire region finally leaps forward towards the European Union.

Some are several steps ahead and even close to reaching the finishing line: On July 1 we will welcome Croatia as the 28th EU member state. And Montenegro already started her membership negotiations with the EU.

Others have lately shown great determination: In April this year we saw a groundbreaking deal between Belgrade and Prishtina regarding the Serbian population in Kosovo. Implementation will not be achieved overnight, and many issues remain to be sorted out. But everyone with the slightest knowledge of the Balkans knows what a contentious issue this has been, and what an important step forward this agreement represents.

First and foremost, it is of course a major contribution to the normalization of the relations between two countries.

It should also clear the way for membership negotiations for Serbia and allow Kosovo to start negotiations of a stabilization and association agreement. We expect a clear political signal from the coming European Council in this regard.

But beyond all of that it sends a strong signal to the entire Balkan region.

A normalization between Serbia and Kosovo will put a lid on destabilizing nationalistic ambitions. It is a setback for those who advocate ethnic states and the settling of old grudges. And leaders in Belgrade and Prishtina have shown what can be achieved with a critical element of vision and political courage.

The important thing now is that their colleagues in Skopje and Sarajevo – as well as those in Tirana – pay close attention. If an agreement can be reached on the delicate issue of arrangements for the Serbian population in Kosovo, it should be possible to overcome the longstanding impasse in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the destructive Macedonian name issue, or to enact necessary reforms and conduct proper government formation processes in Albania.

If progress is achieved on these issues, the EU must be prepared to honor its commitments. That means starting EU accession talks with Macedonia, granting candidate status to Albania and accepting a credible EU application from Bosnia and Hercegovina.

But if no progress is achieved, leaders in Skopje, Tirana and Sarajevo – as well as those in Banja Luka and Mostar – risk seeing their countries being left behind with dire political as well as economic consequences for a considerable time to come.

Thus, the deal between Serbia and Kosovo has to be seen in a wider regional context. The message here is clear: Pragmatism and compromise – not intransigent blockages – are the ways to overcome obstacles, and achieve the good neighborly relations that everyone needs and give the people in the region a tangible perspective for a better future.

Let us therefore hope that the determination of the Croatian leadership as well as the courage and vision of those in Belgrade and Prishtina set examples that others will follow. And that next year we will be able to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first World War by contrasting the tragedy of the past with a truly promising European future for the entire Balkan region.

Michael Spindelegger, Minister for European and International Affairs in Austria
Carl Bildt, Minister for Foreign Affairs in Sweden