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The integration of the Western Balkans returned to the EU agenda as a geostrategic priority in light of the disruptive dynamics triggered by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. In this context, the European Council has provided new impetus and made important decisions in advancing accession negotiations with EU candidate countries, while the European Commission has sought to capitalize on the pro-enlargement momentum through the New Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. Yet, significant challenges remain, from difficulties in implementing domestic reforms and resolving bilateral disputes to the risk of new divisions among member states and the destabilizing influence of third-party actors.
The conference “Advancing EU Enlargement: Italy’s Role and Strategic Convergence on the Western Balkans’ Integration”, will take place in Rome on 15 April 2025 and will assess recent progress, identify current challenges, and explore concrete steps to accelerate the process while safeguarding its credibility and sustainability.
Organizers: the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) and the Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT), in cooperation with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the support of Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo
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