The study analyses, from a broad perspective, the logic of cultural cooperation in South Eastern Europe from 1989 to 2003. The complexity of the situation in that region originates not only from the collapse of the communist institutional order, but is also a result of the general transformations taking place at a European and international level. The article identifies two main factors influencing and “destimulated” cooperation in the region: the identity quest and the need for integration in the world. Analyzing the strong involvement that Western funders had in supporting cultural cooperation with and within the region, the authors point specifically to the following aspects: the 'ethical’ dimension of cultural cooperation and the danger of the normalisation of a top-down approach in the region which is specific to the western model of cooperation; the oblivion and ignorance by the present policies of the strong link between cultural cooperation and the rebinding of social ties; inter-cultural dialogue and placing culture center stage in the support of social reconstruction; and the lack of long term sustainable programmes and cooperation with countries beyond Europe.