Скачать или смотреть Webinar 251125: "EU Enlargement 2030: Leadership, Reform and Strategic Decisions"

Strategers Institute hosted a webinar bringing together voices from the European Commission, the Western Balkans (Albania, Monetenegro, North Macdonia, Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina) and the Eastern Partnership countries (Ukraine and Moldova). The focus was on the evolving landscape of EU enlargement: who is steering the process, what choices will define it and why European enlargement remains strategically important today.

Key reflections from the debate:

Enlargement is gaining real momentum. Several countries are making noticeable progress, and the political climate is more favourable to enlargement than it has been in years.
Leadership and reform remain essential. Long-term commitment, institutional responsibility and consistent reform delivery were highlighted as crucial for advancing on the EU path.
Geopolitical and economic shifts are reshaping Europe’s priorities. Security, stability and competitiveness have become closely intertwined with the enlargement agenda, influencing both the EU’s approach and the expectations placed on aspiring members.
Rule of law and economic convergence continue to be central challenges. Sustainable, results-driven reforms, not just legislative alignment, will determine credibility.
The EU must also evolve internally. Institutional preparedness, policy adaptation and innovative accession models will be vital to ensure the Union can integrate new members effectively.

Across all perspectives, from ongoing reform efforts to broader regional dynamics, the message was clear:

“Enlargement represents both an opportunity and a shared responsibility. With strong leadership and steady, credible progress, meaningful steps toward EU integration can be achieved by 2030 - even if countries advance at different speeds.”

A full policy brief summarizing the insights will be published by the Strategers Institute.

Sincere acknowledgment for their contribution to Panelists and many thanks to 60+ attendees and their Q&A during the open discussion.

Speakers:
• Thomas Hagleitner, Head of Unit on Enlargement Strategy and Coordination, DG ENEST (European Commission)
• Majlinda Bregu, PhD, Former Secretary General of Regional Cooperation Council, Head of Strategic Board. Europe Plus (Albania)
• Prof. Dr. Gordana Djuroviċ, Professor at the Faculty of Economic. University of Montenegro and Advisor for EU Affairs to the Government of Montenegro, Former Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration (Montenegro)
• Simonida Kacarska, PhD, Director, European Policy Institute (North Macedonia)
• Prof. Dr. Tanja Miscevic, Professor at the Faculty for Political Science, University of Belgrade, Former Minister for European Integration (Serbia)
• Alban Hashani, PhD, Executive Director, Riinvest Institute (Kosovo)
• Prof. Dr. Adnan Efendic, Professor of Economics; University of Sarajevo, Affiliate Fellow at CERGE-EI, Prague (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
• Prof. Dr. hab. Kseniia Smyrnova, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Member of Jean Monnet Center of Excellence (Ukraine)
• Liliana Cimpoies, PhD, Associate Professor, Head of the International Business Department, Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (Moldova)

Moderator and host:
• Prof. Dr. Fatmir Besimi, President of Board, Strategers Institute, Former Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister for EU Affairs (Strategers Institute)