The Serbian Greek Empire is a reference to a proposed union between the nations of Serbia and Montenegro, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Greece. Despite this phrase, the proposed union would not be led by a monarch, but would abide by modern democratic methods, with the Orthodox Church having some influence.

The idea of Serbian confederation has existed for some time. In recent times union with Greece has been proposed under the rule of Slobodan Milosevic, in February, 1992. While it failed to be ratified, the proposition still exists. Radicals in both countries have supported this nation, (e.g. Seselj, former leader of Serbian Radical Party had proposed that the two unite after splitting Macedonia (FYROM) between them).

Reasons sited for confederation

1. All three nations share a common religion
2. Modern day Serbian and Greek cultures are similar.
3. The general population of each nation sees the other as strong friends and allies, and does not oppose confederation.
4. The Serbs and Greeks are the only two nations that have never been in direct or indirect conflict with each other within the Balkans.
5. Many famous and influential Serbs and Greeks, along with national heroes, support or have supported this idea.
6. There have been previous attempts at such a union, most notably during World War II. On January 15, 1942 the governments in exile of Yugoslavia and Greece signed an agreement for such a union.

Fledgling organizations support such a union, believing it would finally stabilize things within all three nations, and decrease tensions in Eastern Europe. Such organizations believe that a Union of Serbia and Greece would be the uniting of those with similar beliefs, rather than different peoples with different values.

However many believe that the two states should rather make some kind of alliance, an arrangement that at present seems more feasible for a variety of reasons.

Obstacles to confederation

1. Membership status in the European Union. Greece is a member, while Serbia is not.
2. Membership status in NATO. Greece is a member, while Serbia is not.
3. The issue of Macedonia and Macedonians needs to be resolved.
4. The viability of such a union.
5. The difference in wealth between the nations.
6. The degree of multiculturalism within the two nations. Around 70% of the Serbian population is Serb and other ethnic groups are recognized. It is estimated that 98% of Greece's population is Greek, but the actual number is unknown, and furthermore Greece does not officially recognize ethnic groups.
7. EU, NATO, and the United Nations, along with the western world, may pose objections to the creation of such a union.

While this idea is still in its spawning stage, and frowned upon by much of the western world, it is supported by the people at the Heart of the Balkans.

External links

• GeoHistory's Balkan Timeline: 1914-1989

Pro-union sites

• The Hellenic Serb Brothership Page
• Serbian-Hellenic Brotherhood
• Serbian-Hellenic Forums