emerging in the post-Yugoslav states. Likewise, when looking at the role of Russia, China, and Turkey in the region¿and in contrast to European and US policies¿, it becomes obvious to what extent the region, once again, is becoming the playground of Great Power games and wider geopolitical strategic interests. The analytical time frame covers the period 1991¿2018. The changes in the foreign policies of great powers are explored as they relate to the institutional set-up of the region. For instance, do the changes affect the EU¿s hegemony in the region? Do Russia, China, and Turkey actively contribute to changing the rules of the game in the region¿be it the accession process or regional cooperation?