International Conference: Current Security Challenges for the Western Balkan Region Addressed by Means of Joint Responsibility and Cooperation 102 Third, is the increasing inuence of political and social alienation of young people, whose political orientation is increasing shifting from the mainstream. This shift is re-oriented either towards nationalistic aspirations, or even extreme religious agendas. In relation to the latter, Kosovo has been witnessing an increasing inuence of extremist Islamic clerics. As a consequence, it is reported that hundreds of youths have joined ISIS and that extremist Islamic cells exist and are active within the territory of Kosovo. Such popularization of transcendental agendas within Kosovo are directly linked to the lack of personal and social/political perspective. In this sense, the EU is viewed as a power which forces Kosovo to accept solutions against its own interest, rather than as a perspective which could create long-term peace and economic prosperity to the country. In conclusion, this discussion paper contends that the EU integration for the most affected societies of the former Yugoslavia has not only delayed, it has rather stalled due to inadequate international approach to reconstruction which has created fragile states that have not been capable of grasping with the challenges of transition efciently. Secondly, these societies are forced to change the systems and policies which they were forced to accept as a condition for the EU integration. This has created a number of security challenges ranging from institutional instability to the risks of global security, the most dangerous of which is political Islam, which has directly affected these societies as a consequence of the lack of any other perspective for political, economic and social change, embedded in the perspective for European integration. Otherwise, they are trapped in the closed circuit from which there seems to be no way out unless a true European integration perspective is opened. There is a broad consensus that for the foreign policy of a particular country to reach its objectives and be successful overall, that country needs to rstly retain credibility before other international actors. This is done by advancing democratic principles in governing with the state budget in order to ensure the people's interest are at stake. Secondly, the government needs to tackle the shortfalls of rule of law. And thirdly, that government has to pursue a strong and effective economic development. These steps are cornerstone for that country to be conceived enough credible to pursue its goals in the international scene. Western Balkan Countries current situation in relation to the pillars aforementioned face serious shortcomings. This inevitably contributes to the fragility of their security. Taking into account the current radicalization, the countries have to ensure the pillars are further strengthened. This can be only done by strong civil society engagement in the process, by ensuring a reliable reformation process of rst and foremost: political parties. These subjects, according to various international surveys, are considered the most corrupt in the state system. Their reformation and democratization will undoubtedly move the process of realization of aforementioned reforms as a precondition to secure a lasting peace and security. Organized crime syndicates are strongly organized and have an enormous inuence in decision-making. This makes the realization of reforms pretty difcult. The coordination and cooperation among western Balkan countries is crucial in dealing with tough security challenges. Because of the shortfalls of the pillars mentioned above, the strong cooperation and coordination is facing challenges as well. As we know, the radicalization does not recognize borders. The ght against it does not recognize border, either.