Panel Discussion “EU Enlargement and the Western Balkans in a Shifting Geopolitical Landscape”

On June 5, 2025, the Aspen Institute Germany hosted a panel discussion on “EU Enlargement and the Western Balkans in a Shifting Geopolitical Landscape” with Ambassador Michael Reiffenstuel, Director for South-Eastern Europe, Turkey, OSCE, Council of Europe, German Federal Foreign Office in discussion with Representatives from the Western Balkans: Josip Brkić, Zoran Dimitrovski, Megi Fino, Miroslav Gačević, Liza Gashi and Periša Kastratović. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Stormy-Annika Mildner, Executive Director, Aspen Institute Germany.

Rising international authoritarianism, Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine, and growing uncertainty about the future course of the United States have increased global uncertainty – particularly in the Western Balkans. A new European Commission, in office since 2024, must focus political attention on urgent global crises. On the one hand, this new world provides a push to strengthen the EU; on the other hand, the EU must also rediscover and reposition itself and overcome the current crises. Meanwhile, the Western Balkans continue to face internal challenges, including slow reforms in the rule of law and the need to strengthen democratic institutions. What are the latest developments in the EU enlargement process? What are the implications of global geopolitical shifts and the role of external actors in shaping the future of the region and the EU accession process? How can the EU revitalize its enlargement policy and what concrete steps need to be taken to make progress? What role will a new German government play?

This event was part of the “Western Balkans Initiative: Engagement for Progress and Stability” project, kindly supported by the German Federal Foreign Office.