EPOKA University, in collaboration with the Magna Charta Observatory, the Center for Southeast European Studies at the University of Graz, Austria, and the Faculty of Political Sciences at the University of Belgrade, Serbia, proudly hosted the 9th International Conference on European Studies (ICES’24) on 13-14 November 2024. The conference, titled “EUIntegration of Western Balkans: Dynamics and Challenges,” brought together scholars, policymakers, and experts from across the Western Balkan region and Europe to discuss the
complexities of the enlargement process. 
 

The two-day event, which took place in Tirana, was organized as part of the Jean Monnet Module “EU Integration of Western Balkans: Patterns and Issues,” (WB-EUPath) coordinated by the Center for European Studies at EPOKA University and co-funded by the European Commission. The conference aimed to deepen the understanding of the region’s integration challenges and the EU’s role in shaping its future.

The conference opened with a series of welcoming remarks. Dr. Jubjana Vila, Chair of ICES’24 and Head of the Center for European Studies at EPOKA University, highlighted the importance of the event in fostering discussion on the EU integration of the Western Balkans. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Öztaş, Rector of EPOKA University, emphasized the institution’s commitment to promoting European integration and academic collaboration. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lisen Bashkurti, Dean of the Faculty of Law and Social Sciences, underlined the academic contributions that the conference would offer to the ongoing discourse on EU integration. H.E. Mr. Reinout Vos, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Albania, focused on the Dutch government’s
support for the EU enlargement process, particularly in the Western Balkans. Finally, David J. Lock, Secretary General of the Magna Charta Observatory, reflected on the vital role of universities in promoting the values of the European Union, including democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.

A highlight of the first day was the keynote speech delivered by Prof. Dr. Florian Bieber, Director of the Centre for Southeast European Studies at the University of Graz. In his address, “Is There a Future for Enlargement? How the EU Can Remain Relevant in the Western Balkans and Beyond,” Prof. Bieber explored the evolving challenges of EU enlargement, particularly in the Western Balkans. He discussed the strategic significance of the region for the EU, emphasizing that enlargement remains essential for maintaining stability and fostering
democratic governance in the region. Prof. Bieber also offered a critical approach to the current EU enlargement strategy, urging for more consistent and proactive engagement with the region.

 The Public Panel “Strengthening of Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters in the Light of EU Enlargement”, as an integral part of ICES’24, addressed the critical issue of enhancing judicial cooperation in criminal matters within the context of EU enlargement of the Western Balkans. The panel chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Teresa Russo, Professor of EU Law and Chair Holder of the EUVALWEB Jean Monnet at the University of Salerno, offered a discussion on progress made and challenges in judicial cooperation in the Western Balkans. It included panelists Lorenzo Salazar, Deputy Prosecutor General in Naples (ret.)/Italy, Fulvio Baldi, Deputy

Prosecutor General at the Italian Supreme Court/ Italy, Carmine Pirozzoli, the Italian Liaison Prosecutor in Albania and Gledis Nano, Former General Director of the State Police in Albania. The panel concluded with a shared recognition of the progress made and challenges in judicial cooperation in the Western Balkans. The panelists called for enhanced capacity building, more robust frameworks for mutual recognition of judicial decisions, and continued political will to address the most persistent issues of organized crime and corruption.

The second day of the conference continued with conference sessions at EPOKA University.

We thank all participants for their valuable inputs and contributions!