- November 24, 2021
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- February 04, 2023
On November 24, 2021, the Aspen Institute Germany hosted its annual Western Balkans Working Group in a digital format. The working group offered a closed-door and confidential platform for a select group of high-level decision-makers and experts from the Western Balkans, the EU, and key member states to discuss the current state of the EU enlargement process. The discussion focused on the future of the EU enlargement process in general, the current state of regional cooperation as well as on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. Participants underlined the importance of a credible and merit-based enlargement procedure and the need for tangible benefits for citizens and businesses, as strong supporters of the EU integration process. It was pointed out that the strengthening of regional cooperation was essential as a part of the EU integration process, not as a substitute. Furthermore, the necessity for reconciliation and transitional justice was also addressed. Concerning the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, it was pointed out that for a successful implementation increased knowledge exchange, stakeholder involvement, and citizens’ awareness is needed. The working group is part of the project “Aspen Western Balkans Stakeholder Forum 2021,” which is kindly supported by the German Federal Foreign Office.
