- November 11, 2025
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- November 11, 2025
On November 11, 2025, Aspen Institute Germany hosted a panel on „Democracies Under Pressure – Promoting Human Rights and the Rule of Law in the Western Balkans“ in the framework of the first edition of the Berlin Freedom Conference. With democracies under pressure and autocrats cooperating more closely than ever, the Berlin Freedom Conference brought together those committed to defending and strengthening democracy. It connected pro-democracy leaders from authoritarian states, voices from democracies on the frontlines, and international leaders from politics, defence, business, and civil society – for new alliances and strong, joint responses. Speakers on the panel included Sofija Todorović, Director of the Youth Initiative for Human Rights Serbia, Boris Mijatović, Member of the German Parliament, Liza Gashi, Acting Deputy Minister of the Republic of Kosovo and Adnan Ćerimagić, Senior Analyst, European Stability Initiative (ESI). The panel was moderated by Stormy-Annika Mildner, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute Germany. Among the topics discussed were the challenges and prospects of EU enlargement. While the promise of integration has been on the table for many years, participants agreed that the path forward remains demanding and requires both institutional transformation and sustained political commitment. Despite progress, key issues persist, particularly regarding human rights and the rule of law. Participants also reflected on citizens’ calls for greater transparency and accountability, as well as growing skepticism toward the EU and the slow pace of the enlargement process.
