Event
National Palace of Culture, Hall 9
Bulgaria Blvd, 1463 Ndk
Sofia, Bulgaria
New Direction is pleased to announce its seventh annual Western Balkans Summit, to be held in Sofia, Bulgaria on 7 December 2024. The Western Balkans Summit aims to give voices from the region a platform from which to discuss the Euro-Atlantic future of the European Unions Western Balkan neighbours.
With speakers from across the Western Balkans, and beyond, the Summit aims to address the key issues that region faces – from outside interference in the democratic process, to economic uncertainty, from EU integration, to ensuring the security of states.
Understanding the challenges the Western Balkans face and coming up with long-term solutions are crucial as the region moves closer to the European Union. The Western Balkans Summit in Sofia has proved to be a much needed platform for the exchange of ideas and solutions between stakeholders and decision makers of the region.
Agenda
09:00 - 10:00
Registration of participants
10:00 - 10:10
Official opening
10:10 - 10:15
Keynote speech
10:15 - 11:30
Panel I
The EU accession of the Western Balkan countries and the broader state of play of EU enlargement.
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.
11:30 - 11:45
Coffee Break
11:45 - 13:00
Panel II
Modern conflicts and emerging threats: The role of the Western Balkans in EU Security and defence policy.
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.
13:00 - 14:00
Break and working lunch
14:00 - 15:15
Panel III
Reconciliation and rebuilding relationships at the doorstep of the EU.
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.
15:15 - 15:45
Coffee Break
15:45 - 17:00
Panel IV
Youth in the Western Balkans: Navigating Uncertain Pathways to EU
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:
17:00
Closing remarks
