Dublin – ESI at conference on Ireland and EU enlargement in the Western

Adnan spoke at a conference in Dublin. Photo: ESI

Adnan Ćerimagić, ESI senior analyst, took part in the conference “Ireland and the EU Enlargement in the Western Balkans: Civil Society Perspectives from the Region”, held at Dublin City University on 4 and 5 June 2026. The event brought together civil society representatives, researchers, and policymakers from across the Western Balkans and Ireland to discuss the future of EU enlargement and the role of Ireland’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Adnan participated in a session on the state of the enlargement process in the Western Balkans, alongside representatives from across the region. The discussion focused on the political and institutional challenges facing candidate countries, the uneven pace of reforms, and the implications of recent geopolitical developments for enlargement policy.

Drawing on ESI’s research, Adnan discussed the importance of restoring credibility to the accession process through a more transparent and merit-based approach. He argued that the European Union should offer tangible benefits to countries that deliver reforms, including membership in the Single Market, while maintaining rigorous accession standards. He also reflected on the lessons of previous enlargements and the need to strengthen public confidence in the enlargement process both within the EU and in candidate countries.

The second day of the conference focused on priorities for Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union, which begins on 1 July 2026. Participants exchanged views on how Ireland could contribute to advancing enlargement policy, supporting democratic reforms, and maintaining momentum in the accession process for the Western Balkans.

ESI continues to contribute to European debates on enlargement, democratic reforms, and the future of European integration, drawing on its long-standing work in the Western Balkans and across Europe.

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