News Archives - BELGRADE SECURITY CONFERENCE 2024 https://belgradesecurityconference.org/category/news/ BSC2024 Fri, 21 Nov 2025 12:34:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://belgradesecurityconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/bsc-favico.png News Archives - BELGRADE SECURITY CONFERENCE 2024 https://belgradesecurityconference.org/category/news/ 32 32 Lost in Geopolitics? Post-Yugoslav Views on Security, Sovereignty and the Future of Europe https://belgradesecurityconference.org/lost-in-geopolitics-post-yugoslav-views-on-security-sovereignty-and-the-future-of-europe/ Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:57:08 +0000 https://belgradesecurityconference.org/?p=5775 At the Belgrade Security Conference, the panel “Lost in Geopolitics? Post-Yugoslav Views on Security” brought together regional experts who warned that the Western Balkans is facing a convergence of geopolitical uncertainty, democratic erosion, and weakening public trust in institutions Moderated by Ivan Vujačić, Professor at the University of Belgrade, the discussion emphasised that the region […]

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At the Belgrade Security Conference, the panel “Lost in Geopolitics? Post-Yugoslav Views on Security” brought together regional experts who warned that the Western Balkans is facing a convergence of geopolitical uncertainty, democratic erosion, and weakening public trust in institutions

Moderated by Ivan Vujačić, Professor at the University of Belgrade, the discussion emphasised that the region stands at the intersection of major global power shifts and persistent domestic challenges – and that future stability will depend on renewed democratic reforms and more reliable international engagement.

 

 

Vuk Vuksanović, Senior Researcher at the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, opened the debate with findings from the Security Radar report. He noted that public attitudes across the region toward major powers are increasingly marked by skepticism. Rather than being perceived as stabilizing forces, great powers are more often seen as potential sources of risk. Vuksanović explained that confidence in the EU has declined sharply, partly because citizens feel the Union does not uphold the standards it promotes. Citing North Macedonia, he argued that what was once considered a success story has become an example of the EU’s diminishing credibility.

Despite geopolitical pressures, he added, most people in the region remain focused on domestic problems – economic stagnation, environmental degradation, and weak institutions. Recent protests in Serbia, he suggested, reflect growing civic agency and rising dissatisfaction with the status quo.

 

From Slovenia, Petra Roter, Professor of International Relations at the University of Ljubljana, outlined a complex relationship between political elites and the public. Slovenia often presents itself as a principled international actor, illustrated by its current role on the UN Security Council. Yet at home, she noted, many citizens remain skeptical about defense spending and are more concerned with corruption, organized crime, and governance challenges than with traditional security threats. Roter also highlighted rising tensions around identity and minority issues, observing that these debates mirror broader European struggles over how values, rights, and security intersect – and at times collide.

 

 

Speaking about Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nedžma Džananović Miraščija, Professor at the University of Sarajevo, underscored the enduring influence of external actors on the country’s stability. While the presence of the United States and the EU remains vital for maintaining peace, she argued that inconsistent policies and shifting priorities have generated frustration and uncertainty. She pointed to instances in which EU institutions downplayed security risks shortly before increasing their military presence, noting that such contradictions undermine confidence in international engagement. Džananović Miraščija also warned that certain EU decisions – including controversial appointments within EUFOR – have raised concerns about judgment and sensitivity in a fragile environment.

 

 

Representing North Macedonia, Nikola Dimitrov, President and Co-Founder of Solution and former Deputy Prime Minister, reflected on Europe’s broader democratic challenges. He argued that declining respect for democratic norms, coupled with institutional weaknesses and widespread impunity, poses a greater threat to the region than external actors. Public opinion in North Macedonia, he noted, is often contradictory: many citizens perceive neighbouring Bulgaria or Russia as threats, yet express admiration for authoritarian leaders elsewhere. Dimitrov stressed that EU membership remains the region’s key strategic goal but warned that the credibility of the enlargement process is eroding. Without clearer commitments and timelines, he said, there is a risk that future generations will lose faith in the EU altogether.

 

 

Moderator Vujačić encouraged speakers to reflect on what meaningful democratic renewal would require. He noted that the war in Ukraine has pushed EU enlargement back onto the agenda but cautioned that superficial or procedural reforms will not suffice. Democracy, he argued, must be rebuilt in substance as well as in form.

In their concluding remarks, panelists highlighted democratic fatigue, institutional instability, and inconsistent international support as core concerns for the region. They called for stronger regional cooperation, firmer rule-of-law commitments, and closer coordination with international partners.

Overall, the panel agreed that the Western Balkans is confronting both global turbulence and unfinished internal transitions. Navigating this period will require resilience, deeper civic engagement, and a renewed capacity to shape the region’s democratic and security future.

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The Latest BSC 2025 Agenda is Here! https://belgradesecurityconference.org/the-latest-bsc-2025-agenda-is-here/ Thu, 06 Nov 2025 18:14:24 +0000 https://belgradesecurityconference.org/?p=5160 The Belgrade Centre for Security Policy is pleased to announce the updated BSC 2025 agenda. The thematic agenda now includes the full schedule of the conference for all three days, with detailed session times and panel topics. This year’s conference will bring together high-level policymakers, diplomats, scholars, and civil society leaders from across Europe and from around […]

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The Belgrade Centre for Security Policy is pleased to announce the updated BSC 2025 agenda. The thematic agenda now includes the full schedule of the conference for all three days, with detailed session times and panel topics.

This year’s conference will bring together high-level policymakers, diplomats, scholars, and civil society leaders from across Europe and from around the world to debate the most pressing questions of our time:

  • How can Serbia overcome its political crisis and embark on a path of democratic renewal?
  • What is the future of the transatlantic partnership as a pillar of international order and how will it affect global crises?
  • How will U.S.–China rivalry reshape global security and the Indo-Pacific region?
  • What lessons can Europe draw from its struggle to defend democracy against internal and external threats?
  • How can EU enlargement remain a credible process amid geopolitical uncertainty and populist resurgence?

Belgrade Security Conference (BSC): “Pathways to Freedom” will take place on 17–19 November 2025 at the Sava Center in Belgrade, Serbia. Over three days, the BSC 2025 will feature plenary sessions, parallel discussions and special roundtables addressing issues such as hybrid threats, democratic resilience, European security architecture and the future of EU enlargement.

The BSC 2025 is dedicated to Ksenija Atanasijević (1894 -1981), Serbian philosopher and the first female professor at the University of Belgrade.

By convening leaders, thinkers and advocates at this critical juncture, the Belgrade Security Conference 2025 seeks to illuminate the pathways toward freedom—through justice, democracy and peace.

We look forward to welcoming you to Belgrade for another edition of the region’s leading platform for open dialogue and bold ideas.

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The BSC 2025 Thematic Agenda is Live! https://belgradesecurityconference.org/the-bsc-2025-thematic-agenda-is-live/ Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:40:23 +0000 https://belgradesecurityconference.org/?p=5117 We are thrilled to unveil the Thematic Agenda for the BSC 2025! The Belgrade Centre for Security Policy’s flagship annual event, Belgrade Security Conference (BSC): “Pathways to Freedom” will take place on 17–19 November 2025 at the Sava Center in Belgrade, Serbia. In the shadow of renewed authoritarianism, protracted wars, and deepening political polarisation, the struggle for freedom—of […]

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We are thrilled to unveil the Thematic Agenda for the BSC 2025!

The Belgrade Centre for Security Policy’s flagship annual event, Belgrade Security Conference (BSC): “Pathways to Freedom” will take place on 17–19 November 2025 at the Sava Center in Belgrade, Serbia.

In the shadow of renewed authoritarianism, protracted wars, and deepening political polarisation, the struggle for freedom—of individuals, nations and societies—has once again become the defining question of our age.

Across Europe and beyond, citizens face shrinking civic space, democratic backsliding and the erosion of the very principles that once guaranteed progress and stability. Yet, amid this uncertainty, a new generation of movements, leaders, and ideas is emerging to reclaim democracy and justice as pathways to freedom.

This year’s conference will bring together high-level policymakers, diplomats, scholars, and civil society leaders from across Europe and from around the world to debate the most pressing questions of our time:

  • How can Serbia overcome its political crisis and embark on a path of democratic renewal?
  • What is the future of the transatlantic partnership as a pillar of international order?
  • How will U.S.–China rivalry reshape global security and the Indo-Pacific region?
  • What lessons can Europe draw from its struggle to defend democracy against internal and external threats?
  • How can EU enlargement remain a credible process amid geopolitical uncertainty and populist resurgence?

Over three days, the BSC 2025 will feature plenary sessions, parallel discussions and special roundtables addressing issues such as hybrid threats, democratic resilience, European security architecture and the future of EU enlargement.

The BSC 2025 is dedicated to Ksenija Atanasijević (1894 -1981), Serbian philosopher and the first female professor at the University of Belgrade.

By convening leaders, thinkers and advocates at this critical juncture, the Belgrade Security Conference 2025 seeks to illuminate the pathways toward freedom—through justice, democracy and peace.

We look forward to welcoming you to Belgrade this November for another edition of the region’s leading platform for open dialogue and bold ideas.

Download the BSC 2025 Thematic Agenda HERE.

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Call for Proposals: Side Sessions at the Belgrade Security Conference 2025 https://belgradesecurityconference.org/call-for-proposals-side-sessions-at-the-belgrade-security-conference-2025/ Mon, 21 Jul 2025 12:00:59 +0000 https://belgradesecurityconference.org/?p=5047   The Belgrade Security Conference (BSC) is pleased to invite civil society organisations and think tanks from the Western Balkans to submit proposals for side sessions to be held as part of this year’s conference, taking place from 17 to 19 November 2025 at the Sava Centre in Belgrade, Serbia. About BSC The BSC has […]

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The Belgrade Security Conference (BSC) is pleased to invite civil society organisations and think tanks from the Western Balkans to submit proposals for side sessions to be held as part of this year’s conference, taking place from 17 to 19 November 2025 at the Sava Centre in Belgrade, Serbia.

About BSC

The BSC has become the leading regional platform for dialogue on foreign and security policy in the Western Balkans. Held by-invitation-only and on a not-for-profit basis, the conference brings together more than 500 influential participants, including regional and international officials, diplomats, representatives of international organisations, researchers, journalists, civil society representatives, activists, and young professionals. It offers a unique opportunity for bold ideas, inclusive debate, and strategic thinking on the most pressing issues facing Europe and the region.

Call For Proposals

We invite proposals for side sessions that align with the overarching themes of this year’s BSC. This call is only for organisations from the Western Balkan region, with the aim to have country-specific discussions that address important issues in your respective countries, related to the BSC’s overarching topics, which include:

  • Regional security dynamics
  • Foreign policy and the role of external actors
  • State capture and the rule of law
  • The role of civil society amid ongoing rise of authoritarianism
  • European integration

To ensure interactive and dynamic exchange, this year’s side sessions should be organised in the form of a roundtable discussion or a fishbowl discussion. Both formats are designed to encourage open dialogue, active participation, and meaningful engagement between panelists and the audience.

All costs associated with the organisation of a selected side session (including logistic arrangements, travel, and accommodation for speakers) will be covered by the BSC. Selected session will take place on the third day of the conference, 19 November 2025.

Why Apply

Hosting a side session offers organisations from the region the opportunity to:

  • Showcase their expertise and visibility on a prominent regional platform
  • Influence key discussions among international policymakers and experts
  • Engage with high-level professionals in foreign and security policy, media, and fellow think tanks
Eligibility

This call is open to civil society organisations and think tanks from the Western Balkans: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Partnerships with organisations from outside the region are welcome, but the lead applicant must be from the Western Balkans.

Proposal Requirements

Proposals must be submitted via the online submission form and should include:

  1. Session Title

A clear and engaging title that reflects the core theme of the discussion.

  1. Session Description (max. 300 words)

A concise summary of the key issues to be explored, relevance to the country’s security or foreign policy context, and expected insights.

  1. Participants

A list of proposed speakers and a moderator, including names, institutional affiliations, and short biographies. The proposed format should include 3 to 4 discussants and a moderator, with expected audience involvement as per the discussion format. Please note that the final list of speakers and the exact focus of the session will be agreed upon with the BSC team, which retains the right to propose speakers for the selected panels.

  1. Objectives and intended outcomes

A brief explanation of the session’s goals and how it contributes to the overall conference themes.

Submission Guidelines

Deadline for submission: 15 August 2025

Event date: 19 November 2025 (only in-person participation is accepted)

Submit your proposal: Use the online application form to submit your proposal.

Selection Criteria
  • The proposed topic’s relevance to current foreign and security policy issues in your country
  • Alignment with the BSC overarching themes
  • Quality and expertise of the proposed speakers, with attention to diversity and gender balance
  • Original, innovative and thought-provoking approach to the proposed topic
  • Country specificity (side session should focus on domestic challenges in your respective country)
  • Feasibility (availability of proposed speakers and logistical preparedness)

We look forward to receiving your proposals and to working together to ensure a dynamic and thought-provoking Belgrade Security Conference 2025.

For any questions or technical issues regarding the submission process, please contact us at info@belgradesecurityconference.org.

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BSC Leaders Meetings Podgorica: “Montenegro’s European Dream: A Success Story for the Region?” https://belgradesecurityconference.org/bsc-leaders-meetings-podgorica-montenegros-european-dream-a-success-story-for-the-region/ Sun, 09 Mar 2025 12:36:24 +0000 https://belgradesecurityconference.org/?p=5016 In partnership with the Balkan Center for Constructive Policies – Solution (North Macedonia) and the Embassy of Sweden, the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (BCSP) is hosting the fourth edition of the BSC Leaders Meetings event that will take place on 12 March 2025 in Podgorica, Montenegro. The BSC Leaders Meetings present a series of […]

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In partnership with the Balkan Center for Constructive Policies – Solution (North Macedonia) and the Embassy of Sweden, the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (BCSP) is hosting the fourth edition of the BSC Leaders Meetings event that will take place on 12 March 2025 in Podgorica, Montenegro.

The BSC Leaders Meetings present a series of half-day events organised throughout the Western Balkans. They are part of the Belgrade Security Conference (BSC) – a high-level international policy event organised by the BCSP each year in the third week of November in Belgrade.

The BSC Leaders Meetings aim to gather policy-makers and experts who will discuss major foreign and security challenges facing the region, geopolitical events and trends affecting it and to assess the future of democratic reforms, regional cooperation and the place of the Western Balkans in global politics.

Panel discussion “Montenegro’s European Dream: A Success Story for the Region?”

In December 2024, Montenegro reached a significant milestone in its European Union membership negotiations by provisionally closing three negotiation chapters during the Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels. This signaled a renewed momentum in its EU integration process. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described Montenegro’s ambition to become the EU’s 28th member by 2028 as achievable. Compared to other EU candidate countries, Montenegro’s small size and lack of major bilateral disputes with its neighbors position it as a clear frontrunner in the EU enlargement process. The aim of this high-level panel of the BSC Leaders Meetings is to take stock of the opportunities and obstacles standing between Montenegro and other Western Balkan countries’ EU membership. What are the remaining challenges Montenegro must address to be able to end the EU accession negotiations by 2028? What lessons can other Western Balkans countries take from Montenegro’s EU accession strategy? Could Montenegro’s progress catalyze renewed momentum in the EU integration of other Western Balkans nations? While 2025 promises to be a decisive year for EU enlargement, the question remains will the EU and its member states be ready to receive new members from 2028-2030?

Agenda

11:00 – 11:05 Opening remarks:

  • Igor Bandović, Director of the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy

11:05 – 12:05 Panel Discussion:

  • Jessica Rosencrantz, Minister for EU Affairs of Sweden
  • Todor Goranović, Adviser to the Prime Minister of Montenegro for Security and Defence
  • Nikola Dimitrov, President and co-founder of the Balkan Center for Constructive Policies – Solucija, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia
  • Vanja Ćalović, Executive Director of MANS

Moderator: Igor Bandović, Director of the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy

11:45 – 12:00 Q&A

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Closing Remarks by Igor Bandović, Director of the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy https://belgradesecurityconference.org/closing-remarks-by-igor-bandovic-director-of-the-belgrade-centre-for-security-policy/ Wed, 20 Nov 2024 19:20:36 +0000 https://belgradesecurityconference.org/?p=4976 Mr. Bandović started his closing speech by taking a moment to reflect on what was achieved over the past three days. He stressed that this was a space where challenging conversations and important dialogues were held, on important topics of great importance for security. He noted that those were not theoretical debates but discussions on […]

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Mr. Bandović started his closing speech by taking a moment to reflect on what was achieved over the past three days. He stressed that this was a space where challenging conversations and important dialogues were held, on important topics of great importance for security.

He noted that those were not theoretical debates but discussions on real and impactful issues. He shared with pride that the conference gathered more than 500 participants, bringing their energy and perspectives, making the event vibrant and impactful, adding that there were many important things heard, including both good and bad news.

 

 

He thanked all the donors and partners, and then congratulated Radmila Šekerinska on her appointment as Deputy General Secretary of NATO, which he considered important for the region. He then thanked the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy team for making the conference possible, highlighting their hard work, dedication and team spirit, as well as their commitment to excellence. Mr. Bandović then took a moment to thank the interns and volunteers for their tireless energy, and the European Western Balkans team, as well as partners that helped the conference to run smoothly.

 

 

He encapsulated his speech by saying that the conference is proof that a small but dedicated team can make miracles when backed by strong values and a single vision. He stated that organising the conference was no small task, especially in such a challenging political situation. In that context, he perceived it as an act of defiance and hope that is creating change in the Balkans.

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Keynote Speech by H.E. Emanuele Giaufret, Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of European Union to the Republic of Serbia https://belgradesecurityconference.org/keynote-speech-by-h-e-emanuele-giaufret-ambassador-and-head-of-the-delegation-of-european-union-to-the-republic-of-serbia/ Wed, 20 Nov 2024 19:18:14 +0000 https://belgradesecurityconference.org/?p=4968   The Ambassador reflected on the European Union enlargement as thus far being too slow and too long, and without enough results, which led to decreasing enthusiasm for the accession process. However, he highlighted that there is a new political momentum, with a clear window of opportunity for Western Balkans states to join. Enlargement has […]

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The Ambassador reflected on the European Union enlargement as thus far being too slow and too long, and without enough results, which led to decreasing enthusiasm for the accession process. However, he highlighted that there is a new political momentum, with a clear window of opportunity for Western Balkans states to join. Enlargement has a geostrategic imperative now, and it is prioritised by the new European Commission, promising that there is a clear decision to complete the EU through the process.

The Ambassador stressed that the enlargement is in the interest of both the region and of the EU itself, noting the progress on negotiations with various candidate states. He put this in the context of the necessity to accelerate progress and deliver reforms, while embracing common values that define Europe. He touched on the topic of the green transition as well, emphasising that there is a need for Europe to become more competitive, for which it requires access to critical raw materials.

 

He described Serbia as a country that has historically been at the frontier of empires and between two worlds, but that it clearly belongs to the European family and has common destiny with it. To help push the region further towards alignment with the EU, a new tool was created and rather quickly taken from an idea to reality. This tool is the Growth Plan, which is meant to integrate the region into the single market, and to support the progress on fundamental reforms. He noted that it was also meant to support the economies of the region which are lagging behind the EU, allowing them to feel the benefits of economic integration even before accession.

He listed some of the expected moves towards further integration of the region into the EU that would bring tangible effects for citizens, such as integration into the Single European Payment Area (SEPA), green lanes to abolish long queues at the border and reducing roaming costs between the region and the EU.

He touched on the importance of the advancement of human capital and the socio-economic development of the candidate countries. Regarding the fundamentals, he stressed that there need to be reforms on the rule of law, electoral conditions and media freedom, calling on the candidates in the region to fully focus on reform and to communicate their importance with the citizens.

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A “Growth Plan” for the EU? Western Balkans and the Future of the Single Market https://belgradesecurityconference.org/a-growth-plan-for-the-eu-western-balkans-and-the-future-of-the-single-market/ Wed, 20 Nov 2024 18:00:20 +0000 https://belgradesecurityconference.org/?p=4978 The final panel of the conference analysed the effects of the European Union’s Growth Plan on the accession process of the Western Balkans region. The panellists agreed that it is a good tool for economic integration, which is a key element of the process, especially as the region lags a lot behind Europe in this […]

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The final panel of the conference analysed the effects of the European Union’s Growth Plan on the accession process of the Western Balkans region. The panellists agreed that it is a good tool for economic integration, which is a key element of the process, especially as the region lags a lot behind Europe in this aspect. However, it must not be decoupled from fundamental values.

 

They noted that, while there is a renewed interest in enlargement, it is mostly based on security and defence needs. Likewise, they agreed that the amount promised to the region is not very big and not easy to access, but that nonetheless it is an important step forward. The message they agreed on is that the EU needs to give more positive signals to the region, and to show more clear support for the integration of the region in practice.

 

 

Tanja Mišćević, Minister of European Integration of Serbia, opened by explaining that there was a very short period of time to create the reform agenda, which is why the public was not included. She added that the Ministry has been preparing the legal instruments and working on reforms. Simonida Kacarska, Director of the European Policy Institute in Skopje, asked about the price tag of these reforms, which are directly connected to EU funds. The minister answered that most of the money will be loaned, meaning that the countries will be borrowing money to conduct reforms, but added that the plan is a tool by which the countries can show their credibility and commitment to the process.

 

 

Dritan Abazović, Former Prime Minister of Montenegro, expressed support for the EU Growth Plan as a good idea, after a lot of time passed without new ideas. He shared his view that the states of the region rely on the enlargement process, and that it is important to get rid of the geographical hole in the middle of the EU in this way. He stressed that the region needs to have invisible borders, which is impossible without EU support, calling on more EU support for infrastructure projects because when it is not present, other actors like China appear. He warned that the EU shouldn’t constantly change the rules of accession, and that it should provide a real opportunity for states to join in order to motivate the population. In relation to this, he added that the rule of law is an inescapable part of this process. He lamented that people in the region have lost the passion for the accession process as they don’t see direct benefits to their lives, even though they support joining the EU. He stressed the need for strong leaders ready to make politically hard decisions in the short term to achieve the historical goal of EU integration of the region.

 

 

Milica Delević, Director for Competitiveness, Governance and Political Affairs at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, agreed that the Growth Plan is an important idea, and that it is a potential game changer, accepting that the logic of conditionality drives the accession process. She expressed some scepticism about the amount as the region is lagging behind economically, hoping that the amount would grow with the help of further financial institutions, adding that it is nonetheless a good signal to the region. She also mentioned the need for political will, which is necessary to sustain the process, and the understanding of the population that the process is in their own benefit and that it is positively transformative.

 

 

Tullio Ambrosone, Chief of Staff to the EU Rapporteur on the Future of the Single Market, focused on the current approach to enlargement, explaining that economic integration will not automatically create political integration, which has to go alongside it. He noted that the process impacts both member states and candidates, suggesting establishment of a solidarity facility as a funding mechanism that could address negative effects of the accession process. He emphasised the importance of the EU being competitive in order to have strategic autonomy, and that enlargement is a part of that process, which will improve the future of the single market and the EU.

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Public Assembly Under Threat: Safeguarding Civic Engagement https://belgradesecurityconference.org/public-assembly-under-threat-safeguarding-civic-engagement/ Wed, 20 Nov 2024 16:41:28 +0000 https://belgradesecurityconference.org/?p=4955   The panel reached a disheartening agreement, which is that the right to protest is being threatened around the world, especially in the region. They spoke of the further deterioration of civic rights, and the intimidation of activists which we are witnessing in the region. The situation was characterised as a crisis which threatens to […]

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The panel reached a disheartening agreement, which is that the right to protest is being threatened around the world, especially in the region. They spoke of the further deterioration of civic rights, and the intimidation of activists which we are witnessing in the region.

The situation was characterised as a crisis which threatens to lead to lead to dangerous consequences to democracy Serbia, referencing the recent protests and the repressive response to them by the government. The panel also noted the rise of sexism on the internet, and the narrowing of public space for women human rights defenders especially.

 

 

Clément Voule, Former United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Peaceful Assembly and Association, began the discussion by stressing the importance of basic political rights of free speech, association and assembly for any society. He connected any limitation of these rights to democratic backsliding and the exclusion of citizens from governance. He added that the right to protest is fundamental to democracy. He stressed that there needs to be a tolerant negotiation between law enforcement and the organisers of peaceful protests in order to prevent the use of force, and to create deescalation that would benefit both sides.

 

 

Jelena Sesar, Researcher, Amnesty International, shared the results of a major project she worked on, which give a dire picture of the region, where political rights are violated and activists are repressed. She added that recently there has been an increase of restrictive measures and harsh rhetoric by the regional governments, which are labelling protesters and calling them traitors. She highlighted that the right to protest is now seen as a privilege that can be taken away, and that protests are seen as a threat by repressive authorities, who are using more violence against them.  She also warned of the emerging threat of electronic surveillance of protesting citizens, undermining their right to privacy alongside the other threatened rights. Likewise she warns against the emerging environment of misogyny and anti-gender sentiment.

 

 

Milena Vasić, Lawyer and Programme Director, Lawyers’ Committee for Human Rights YUCOM, spoke of the introduction of new legislature that restricts the right to protest even more, and the change of the approach of the government towards protesters, which are re-qualified as anti-constitutional elements. She explained that government interprets laws in a way that contributes to the repression of citizens, and referenced a recent threat by the Serbian minister of internal affairs that violence will be used. She assessed all this as not being in line with international standards.

 

 

Sofija Todorović, Programme Director, Youth Initiative for Human Rights, shared her experience of testing the right to protest, which gave negative results. She considers this an indicator for the state of society, explaining that the Initiative’s gatherings are constantly stopped by the government. She stressed that in order to solve a problem it is necessary to first accept, it and to name it, assessing the state institutions as repressive. She expressed a fear that the state will continue to repress protesters and that the process of fighting for civic rights is an ongoing process.

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Unravelling the Setbacks and Missed Opportunities: Charting the Way Forward in Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue https://belgradesecurityconference.org/unravelling-the-setbacks-and-missed-opportunities-charting-the-way-forward-in-belgrade-pristina-dialogue/ Wed, 20 Nov 2024 16:18:58 +0000 https://belgradesecurityconference.org/?p=4943   The Panel was expectedly the most tense discussion of the conference so far, including the forceful exchange of views by the panellists. Despite many disagreements, the point of agreement was that the dialogue is not working. However, the panellists had different explanations on why the dialogue is failing. The panellists also agreed that the […]

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The Panel was expectedly the most tense discussion of the conference so far, including the forceful exchange of views by the panellists. Despite many disagreements, the point of agreement was that the dialogue is not working. However, the panellists had different explanations on why the dialogue is failing.

The panellists also agreed that the EU mediation was ineffective and that the EU has limited leverage, with the Ohrid agreement coming up short. The panellists agreed that tolerance has to be the basis for the dialogue, but that the incumbent political leaders have low chances of achieving this objective.

 

 

Surroi, writer, politician and civil society activist, opened the discussion with his lament that the EU envoys did not help enough, and have instead created of process of constructive ambiguity. Surroi further explained that both the dialogue and the Ohrid agreement are perceived differently by two sides. While for Kosovo it is a de facto recognition, for Serbia it is a menu of options from which to choose what it wants, and for the EU it is a document that a part of Serbia’s accession conditions. Surroi stressed the need for a paradigm change, but warned that Russia does not want normality in this part of the world, making the region a line of friction between the Western and Eastern world. As a solution he suggested that the countries of the region create a shared space taking in account their differences, including a shared security space.

 

 

Isak Vorgučić, director of Radio Kim, focused on the position of Kosovo Serbs, who are caught in a crossfire between Serbia and Kosovo. There is a notion in Kosovo that the Serbs do not want to integrate, but they are adjusting to the new reality, as almost all of them have Kosovo citizenship. However, Vorgučić noted that most Serbs emigrated rather than staying and integrating, as there is a sentiment among Albanian nationalists that it is necessary to hate Serbia. Vorgučić also stressed that Kosovo’s institutions need to provide adequate services for Serbs, to make them feel secure and to treat them as equal citizens, rather than acting in an arbitrary and aggressive way. In that context, Vorgučić proposed the long-awaited creation of the Association of Serb municipalities.

 

 

Jeta Xharra, founder and director of the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) in Kosovo, started off forcefully by highlighting that the dialogue is being conducted between two equal countries, not two cities. Xharra explained that no Kosovo government can establish the Association of Serb municipalities before all the other agreements signed are implemented as well, due to public pressure. Xharra highlighted that in Kosovo there is a fear that such an Association would create another Republika Srpska, making Kosovo dysfunctional, and noted that there is the perception that Serbia wants to remove Northern Kosovo from the rest. Xharra shared her view that the EU is trying to appease Serbia even it is the most pro-Russian country in the Balkans, levelling strong accusations against Serbia. Xharra added that Serbia will not recognise Kosovo whichever party is in power, adding that Serbia needs to face the crimes of the past and to contribute to transitional justice.

 

 

Borko Stefanović, deputy president of the Party of Freedom and Justice (SSP), focused on the point that there will never be a peace agreement between the two current leaders, which are strongly nationalistic. Stefanović complained that the Serb minority in Kosovo are treated like enemies of the state, with the negative policies of the Kurti nationalist government pushing them out. Instead Stefanović suggested for the Serbs to go back into the Kosovo institutions and participate in the elections, using the rights they have. At the same time, Stefanović suggested that for a solution it is necessary for the Serb minority to be treated better by the Albanian majority. Stefanović took issue with Jeta’s criticism of Serbia, noting that such rhetoric is making it impossible for the two sides to have a dialogue, asking for more tolerance and the avoidance of false comparisons.

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