The tension caused by intra-European conflicts and the change in domestic balances induced the Balkan countries to become part of a wider collective of inter-state powers. The initiative for the setting up of a multilateral Balkan alliance was first taken by Romania and Yugoslavia. Athens and Ankara responded immediately in a positive manner. A number of motives contributed to each country's way of thinking on this course of action, though the most common was the reinforcement of intra-Balkan solidarity. In the years 1930-33, four Balkan conferences were successfully convened. The concord of the participating countries was reaffirmed several times over in the areas of trade and cultural relations, however this did not suffice to eliminate major political disputes.
The alignment of Bulgaria in the front line of 'revisionist' powers (Germany, Italy etc.), as well as the undermining of the Balkan Pact by all the Great Powers - albeit for different reasons - eroded the emerging 'intra-Balkan solidarity'. As for Greece, the intervention of Eleftherios Venizelos was contrary to the general spirit and terms of the agreement. The experienced political leader considered that Greece had to keep its distance from regional alliances that could cause more problems than they would solve (intervention in the conflicts between third parties etc.). Indeed, developments in the Balkan area (rapprochement of Bulgaria-Yugoslavia-Romania), and even more in Europe (strengthening of Germany), led the 'Balkan idea' to decline.