On May 16, 2024, the Center for European Studies at EPOKA University  hosted the public panel titled: "EU Integration of Western Balkans: Challenges and Perspectives." This event was part of the Jean Monnet Module Project, "EU Integration of Western Balkans: Patterns and Issues" (WB-EUPath Module), which is led by EPOKA University and co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the EU.

Chaired by Dr. Jubjana Vila, leader of the WB-EUPath Jean Monnet Module, the panel started with the welcoming remarks of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lisen Bashkurti, Dean of the Faculty of Law and Social Sciences at EPOKA University. Mr. Ditmir Bushati, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, provided a deep evaluation of Albania’s progress and current challenges in the EU integration process. Mr. Bart de Bruijn, in the capacity of the Rule of Law Coordinator for the Western Balkans at the Dutch Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia, highlighted the regional patters in terms of rule of law issues and dynamics across the WB countries; Dr. Ognen Vangelov from the School of Political Science at the University American College in Skopje, North Macedonia, offered a historical overview of the North Macedonia’s journey towards the EU pointing out the main critical junctures in this process. Mr. Emir Abrashi, Former Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo, elaborated on the main advantages and challenges of Kosovo as a young state in the EU integration process. Mr. Gledis Gjipali, Executive Director of the European Movement in Albania (EMA), emphasized the importance of civil society in promoting values and fostering the process of EU integration.

The public panel enhanced constructive discussions among policymakers, professionals, academicians, leaders of civil society organizations, and youth as important stakeholders in the EU integration process of the Western Balkans. It aimed spreading knowledge about the EU integration process, progress, and challenges, and bringing the EU closer to the public by enhancing EU public diplomacy in the region. 

The panel is based on the approach that the EU integration process requires ownership in all levels of the society and regional cooperation across levels.

We would like to thank the panelists and participants for their dedication, time, and contribution to the event.