Conference Series: “Balkans 2030” – The Balkans in the EU and NATO: Peace in Europe

View Summary

We are pleased to announce the second meeting of the “Balkans 2030” conference series, a collaborative effort between the Center for Advanced Studies in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Institute of Political Studies “Sami Frashëri” in Albania. This pivotal event is scheduled to take place in Sarajevo on June 9-10, 2022, under the theme “The Balkans in the EU and NATO: Peace in Europe.”

Event Overview:

The conference aims to bring together political analysts, academics, and scholars from across the Balkan region, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. Participants will engage in in-depth roundtable discussions, exploring the strategic significance of the Balkans’ integration into the European Union and NATO and its implications for regional peace and stability.

Keynote Presentations:

  • Dr. Mentor Beqa, Executive Director of the “Sami Frashëri” Institute, and Dr. Ardian Muhaj, Chairman of the Board, will present their research and insights on the conference theme. Their contributions are expected to shed light on the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Balkans and offer perspectives on fostering peace and security through integration into European and transatlantic structures.

Background:

The “Balkans 2030” conference series was inaugurated in Shkodra on November 19-20, 2021, marking the beginning of a significant dialogue on the future of the Balkans. This second meeting in Sarajevo builds on the foundation laid by the first, aiming to further the discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing the region in the context of European and NATO integration.

Join Us:

This conference represents a unique opportunity for scholars, policymakers, and interested individuals to engage with contemporary issues facing the Balkans, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the region’s path towards peace, stability, and prosperity.

Event Summary

Balkans 2030 Conference: “Balkans in the EU and NATO: Peace in Europe”

The Institute of Political Studies “Sami Frashëri” (ISP), in collaboration with the Center for Advanced Studies, successfully organized the second meeting of the Balkans 2030 series, titled “Balkans in the EU and NATO: Peace in Europe,” held in Sarajevo on June 9, 2022. This conference brought together professionals from academia, civil society, diplomacy, and politics from six Balkan countries to discuss the impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine on Western Balkans security and the region’s future in the European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Conference Objectives

The primary aim was to explore the implications of external geopolitical tensions on the Balkans and to assess regional cooperation initiatives and the advancement of Balkan countries’ EU and NATO membership processes as essential mechanisms for ensuring stability and security in the region.

Key Discussions and Findings

  • Impact of Russia’s Aggression Against Ukraine: The conference opened with a focus on the immediate and potential long-term effects of Russia’s actions on the geopolitical landscape of the Western Balkans.
  • Open Balkans Initiative: A significant conclusion from the first day was the identification of the Open Balkans initiative as a potential loophole for Russia to circumvent sanctions imposed by the US and EU through Serbia’s economic and political ties with the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union.
  • Regional Cooperation and Membership Processes: Discussions emphasized the importance of enhancing regional cooperation and accelerating the EU and NATO membership processes for Balkan countries as a pathway to ensuring regional stability and security.

Participation and Contributions

The conference featured esteemed international figures in diplomacy and security, facilitating an insightful exchange on the future security landscape of the Balkans. Over the course of two days, participants engaged in robust discussions, leveraging diverse perspectives to address complex security threats, particularly in light of Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine.

Conclusions and Recommendations

  • Strengthening Regional Initiatives: The conference underscored the need for stronger regional initiatives that align with EU and NATO standards, promoting peace, stability, and security in the Balkans.
  • Mitigating External Influences: Participants recommended concerted efforts to mitigate the potential for external geopolitical influences to destabilize the region, particularly through economic and political channels.
  • Enhancing EU and NATO Integration: A consensus emerged on the critical importance of accelerating the integration of Balkan countries into the EU and NATO as a cornerstone for regional peace and stability.

Future Directions

“Balkans in the EU and NATO: Peace in Europe” has set the stage for ongoing dialogue and collaboration among Balkan states, EU and NATO bodies, and international partners. The Institute of Political Studies “Sami Frashëri” and the Center for Advanced Studies are committed to facilitating future conferences and initiatives under the Balkans 2030 series, aiming to contribute to the realization of a stable, secure, and integrated Balkan region.

Acknowledgments

The organizers express their gratitude to all participants, speakers, and partners for their valuable contributions to the conference’s success. Special thanks are extended to the local and international bodies that supported this initiative, underscoring the collaborative spirit that defines the Balkans 2030 series.