Event
The Western Balkans has long been at the centre of the European Unions Neighbourhood and Enlargement policy. As it’s nearest and most diverse neighbour, the EU has taken a special interest in the democratic and economic development of the region. However, many issues still remain, from the migrant crisis, to economic growth, to ongoing negotiations around EU Enlargement.
For the fourth year in a row, New Direction will hold its annual Western Balkans Summit in Sofia, bringing together civil society groups, think tanks, and politicians to discuss this important region of Europe.
Agenda
11:00
Official opening of the Western Balkans Summit
Keynote Speeches
11:30 – 13:00
Panel #1
The EU Enlargement process of the Western Balkans and the way forward
The Western Balkan countries, geopolitically and historically, belong to Europe and their accession to the European Union is natural process that will make the Union complete. Years after the first countries applied for membership to the Union, the accession process is at stall. Negotiations are underway only with Serbia and Montenegro, however, with no new negotiating chapters being opened or closed recently. For Albania and North Macedonia, the official negotiations are at hold due to unresolved bilateral issues between North Macedonia and Bulgaria. In addition, there are constant tensions between Kosovo and Serbia that undermine the dialogue between the two countries, a precondition for both to move forward on their path to the Union.
13:00 – 14:00
Break
14:00 – 15:30
Panel #2
Security, Migration and Foreign Interference in the Western Balkans
At the geographic and political cross-roads of Europe, the Western Balkans is risk of the hostile influence of autocratic powers such as Russia, China, Iran, and others. The region is also prone to migratory pressure from outside Europe that further undermines the security in the region. The European Union and the United States, long champions of the democratic will of the region’s citizens, find themselves supporting a population under constant threat in Economic, Political, Social, and Informational spheres of life. Being at the doorstep to the European Union, any instability and threat to security in the Western Balkans, as well as foreign interference, have negative spill over effects in the Union
15:30 – 17:00
Keynote Speech
Panel #3
Future of the Western Balkans: A Young Political Leader’s Roundtable
With continued challenges of emigration and brain-drain, talent-management and the empowerment of a future generation of leaders is essential for the success of the Western Balkan countries. This panel will bring together young political leaders in the Western Balkans to discuss current challenges facing the region, and their visions for the future direction.
17:00
Closing remarks
Media
