EU-Western Balkans Summit: Enlargement matters – Europe’s new geopolitical, security and economic frontier

Long seen as a peripheral concern, global fragmentation and competition have placed the Western Balkans at the heart of conversations around the future of European security. Amid the Russia-Ukraine War, shifting American priorities and rising regional influence from China and other countries, EU enlargement has taken on new urgency – and complexity. The EU’s turn toward ‘geopolitical enlargement’ marks a potential shift from technocratic to strategic thinking. A stable, democratic and integrated Western Balkan region is essential for the EU’s security and its resilience against external influence. But key questions remain: can the EU prioritise stability over strict conditionality? And can the Western Balkans overcome internal challenges to seize this moment?

Key questions include:

• How is the EU recalibrating its enlargement policy in light of intensifying geopolitical competition, and what does this mean for the Western Balkans’ place in Europe’s broader strategic vision?
• To what extent are external actors, such as Russia and China, reshaping the political and economic dynamics of the region, and what impact does this have on the EU’s commitment to accession?
• Will the convergence of geopolitical risk and strategic opportunity serve as a catalyst for long-awaited progress on EU enlargement in the Western Balkans, or reinforce inertia and entrench the status quo?
• Can the urgent need for geopolitical stability accelerate accession, or will persistent issues like rule of law, democratic backsliding and regional disputes continue to delay progress?

In the context of ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and evolving economic trends, the
Western Balkans face a pivotal opportunity to drive growth by attracting increased
investment and enhancing regional economic resilience. The region holds several strategic advantages – including its proximity to EU markets, a youthful and skilled workforce and rising digital capabilities. Yet, these strengths are offset by persistent barriers: underdeveloped infrastructure, inconsistent rule of law, political instability and administrative obstacles that continue to hinder investor confidence and long-term economic engagement. This session will also explore the opportunities presented by the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, focusing on how accelerated integration with the EU single market and targeted reforms can unlock investment and boost economic competitiveness.

Key questions include:

• What reforms are needed to improve the business climate, attract investment and align with EU standards? How can governments in the region improve governance and transparency to build investor confidence?
• How can the EU’s Economic and Investment Plan (Growth Plan) be better used to
  drive growth?
• What role should regional connectivity – both physical and digital – play in deepening market integration?
• What role can connectivity and the digital green transition play in advancing regional integration and sustainable development?
• How can the private sector, international financial institutions and EU partners
  collaborate more effectively to turn ambition into action?

Strengthening rule of law remains a cornerstone of the Western Balkans’ path toward EU integration and long-term stability. Yet, progress on transparency, accountability and justice system reforms has been uneven across the region, often undermined by political interference, weak institutions and limited enforcement. As the EU places increasing emphasis on fundamental values in its enlargement approach, the credibility of reform commitments will be under greater scrutiny. This session will examine whether the region’s leaders are prepared to go beyond formal compliance to deliver meaningful change, and whether civil society, independent institutions and international partners can help drive reform momentum.

Key questions include:

• What are the primary challenges in establishing a robust rule of law framework in the Western Balkans?
• How can judicial independence, impartiality and integrity be ensured in the region
• What lessons can be learned from past justice reform efforts, and how can they
  inform future initiatives?
• How can the EU and Western Balkan countries collaborate more effectively to foster a judicial culture that upholds the highest standards of justice?