This is vital, because for far too long, too many in this region have allowed past grievances to obscure future prospects. International assistance, internal reform, and progress towards integration can bring Southeast Europe much of the way forward. But sustained progress will not be possible without significant long-term financial investment from the private sector. Some of the elements required to attract such investment are already present. Citizens in the region are motivated and skilled.
Natural resources are abundant.
And these countries are located astride one of the world's great commercial crossroads. But let's be frank. Corruption kills investment dead. Not even a golden goose could stay in business long if every egg were inspected thrice, taxed twice, and then stolen with its owner having no viable legal remedy. The countries that will prosper in the new global economy are those able to attract investment, because their financial systems are open, their rules transparent, their laws enforced, and their standards consistent with global norms.