Ethnic conflicts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Kosovo erupted one after another following the break-up of Yugoslavia.

The severity of the unfolding crises, the likelihood of spillover in the region and the immediate danger the conflicts presented for neighbouring European Union member states induced the EU to become extensively involved in state building and conflict management in three countries.

The EU extensively engaged in the post-conflict reconstruction of all three countries. The key to creating peaceful, democratic and multi-ethnic societies is helping build new constitutions that create inclusive institutional structures that are able to accommodate the grievances of the cleavage groups and eliminate incentives for renewed conflict.