We know that the Balkans are home to a diversity of peoples, as well as languages, religions and traditions inherited from the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires. You have demonstrated that quite eloquently.
In your opening remarks, you said that the region has always been a barometer. To what extent, even today, are the Balkans still a barometer? Was this barometer more important at one time than it is today? Do you still see a connection today? If the past is any indication of the future, is this barometer still as relevant?