Greater and Better EU: 20 years from Thessaloniki Summit

Exactly 20 years ago, in Thessaloniki, the Western Balkan countries were given an EU membership perspective. In February 2020, the European Commission adopted the new accession negotiations methodology with the aim of making the entire process more credible, dynamic, political, and predictable for both sides. The Russian aggression against Ukraine, and the decision of the European Union to grant a candidacy status to Ukraine and Moldova as well as a potential candidacy to Georgia, unleashed unwavering optimism in these countries. On the other hand, cynicism and despair reign in the Western Balkans, which has been standing in line for EU membership for two decades. Bilateral disputes with EU member states and the related veto right in the Council of the EU are blocking the EU accession of the countries of the region. Most EU member states remain unwilling to pass to qualified majority voting in foreign policy matters, whereas others insist that there should be no new members until the EU reforms itself from within. In reaction, there are numerous proposals on how to come out from the enlargement deadlock. The aim of this panel is to bring together ministers for EU affairs from the EU and the region, as well as experts on the matter, for the purpose of having a frank discussion on the future of the enlargement process.

Speakers: