Western Balkans Summit 2024

The Western Balkan nations are from a geopolitical and historical standpoint, an indivisible part of Europe. Their integration into the European Union and its institutions is an inherent progression. However, the turbulent history of the region after the violent breakup of Yugoslavia and the enlargement fatigue that the Union has experienced during the last decade, have stalled the accession process. Every country in the region has faced diverging challenges and obstacles in the way to EU integration. Enlargement has proven to be a complex endeavour, requiring the resolution of bilateral matters and the implementation of democratic and economic reforms to harmonize with EU standards and pave the way for eventual EU accession.

• Maciej Tyburski, Vice-President of the Board Warsaw Institute
• Ryszard Czarnecki, Member of European Parliament 2004 – 2024
• Arbenita Mjekiqi, Expert on European Integration
• Toshko Yordanov, Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria
• Julianna Armas, Program Coordinator and Research Fellow at the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs
• Edit Harxhi, Founder and Member of the Board of the Albanian Policy Center, Former Deputy Foreign Minister of Albania 2005-2013
• Angel Dzhambazki, Vice President of New Direction Foundation (moderator)

The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, and the persisting instability in the Middle East have vividly demonstrated the fact that the world is becoming more insecure. The strategic geopolitical position of the Balkans as well as its proximity to both of the aforementioned conflicts, make the region a vital part of the security architecture of the European Union. Alignment with the Common foreign and security policy remains a key element in the accession to the EU; however, some countries in the region remain reluctant to apply this condition. NATO and the EU, longstanding advocates for the democratic aspirations of the region’s peoples, find themselves supporting countries that are opening the door to foreign interference and disinformation campaigns. Given its proximity to the European Union, any instability or security threat in the Western Balkans, as well as foreign interference, has adverse spillover effects on the Union.

• Lars Patrick Berg, Member of the European Parliament 2019 – 2024
• Prof. Drizan Shala, National Security Expert
• Gergely Kovácz, Senior Adviser, Ludovika University of Public Service
• Prof. Mensut Ademi, Professor in Criminology, Criminal Law and Security at Law and Criminal Justice Faculty in AAB University
• Pavela Mitova, Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria
• Cintia Viola, Research Fellow at the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs
• Ivaylo Valchev, Member of the European Parliament (ECR-BG) (moderator)

Coming to terms with the past is of fundamental condition for reconciliation. The countries of former socialist Yugoslavia must confront the past in order to establish a stable and secure democratic future. The Western Balkans region’s future and diplomatic relations among its nations rely on the local judicial institutions efficiently addressing and revealing war crimes in the region, bringing the guilty to justice and providing closure for the victims. EU accession perspective has been a strong incentive for reform, and indeed Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosovo have started addressing the human rights violations from the 1990s Yugoslav wars. Furthermore, the crimes and human rights violations of the authoritarian Yugoslav communist regime have not been examined as thoroughly. Studying the archives of the secret service apparatus of former communist Yugoslavia, as well as unequivocal condemnation of the communist regime, are essential elements in the process of reconciliation.

• Nikola Kedhi, Executive Director, Albanian Conservative Institute
• Dimitar Gurdev, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the 46^th National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria
• Haki Abazi, Former Deputy Prime Minister of Kosovo
• Stefan Csaba, Research Fellow at the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs
• Ladislav Ilčić, Member of the European Parliament 2019 – 2024 (moderator)

At the start of this decade, the Western Balkans embraced a vision of EU integration by 2030. This target brought hopes of economic stability, social prosperity, and the promise of a future in which young people could realize their potential without the need to leave their homeland. However, as we now enter the second half of the decade, the certainty of this goal has faded. Shifting priorities, regional tensions, and economic challenges have left young people questioning the future of integration and what it means for their lives within Europe. This panel discussion will revolve around three main themes:

1. Youth Participation: Exploring the role of young people at local, national, and regional levels.
2. Security and Economic Challenges: Addressing the security and economic hurdles that young people face across the Western Balkans.
3. Impact of Regional Relations on Integration: Examining how regional dynamics and tensions influence the region’s Euro-Atlantic integration process.

• Besar Gërgi, Research Fellow in Group for Legal and Political Studies, and EDYN Representative from Kosovo
• Jetmir Asani, Chair of Municipal Council, Chief of Cabinet of first Deputy-Prime Minister of North Macedonia and EDYN Representative from North Macedonia
• Megi Përduka, Advisor to the Minister of Health, and EDYN Representative from Albania
• Amila Husić, Lawyer, activist and EDYN Representative from Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Kristina Šćepanović, Local councillor and EDYN Representative from Montenegro
• Mirjana Jugović, Activist, entrepreneur and EDYN Representative from Serbia
• Nikola Kandić, Head of RYCO LBO in Bosnia and Herzegovina and EDYN Leadership Council Member (moderator)