Pivotal Choices for 2030: The Future of EU Enlargement in the Western Balkans скачать в хорошем качестве

Pivotal Choices for 2030: The Future of EU Enlargement in the Western Balkans

This panel explores the EU and Western Balkans, examining the promises and ‘Pivotal Choices’ for 2030. The European Union has been committed to integrating the Western Balkans for over two decades. However, the process has been delayed due to internal EU crises and structural challenges in WB. Recently, geopolitical shifts – particularly the war in Ukraine – have brought enlargement back onto the EU’s political agenda. Currently, Montenegro, Albania, and potentially North Macedonia are considered the frontrunners, aiming to conclude accession negotiations by the end of 2026 and 2027, respectively. What is the perspective for the other WB states? Yet, the pace of progress remains closely tied to advancements in key areas such as the rule of law, accountability, and effective governance. At the same time, the region continues to grapple with high levels of youth emigration, democratic backsliding, external interference, and unresolved bilateral disputes - factors that threaten EU credibility and regional stability. Looking ahead to 2030, and in light of ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, two possible scenarios emerge: fatigue and disengagement, where enlargement fades into a broken promise; strategic recalibration, with the EU adapting its priorities, policies, and instruments to a new political and global reality, both internally and in its neighborhood. Panelists: 25:10 Başak Alpan (Middle East Technical University,Turkey) 11:01 Robert Austin (University of Toronto, Canada) 53:28 Afrim Hoti (University of Prishtina, Kosovo) 36:37 Besa Kadriu (Southeast European University, North Macedonia) 1:30 Mirela Metushaj (Aleksander Moisiu University, Albania) Chair: Elira Luli (iASK, Hungary, Luarasi University, Albania)