Berlin – ESI at German federal foreign office executive seminar on EU accession

MFA in Berlin. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Manfred Brückels

ESI senior analyst Adnan Ćerimagić delivered a presentation on the EU accession process at the 7th Executive Seminar “EU Rapprochement and Integration”, organised by the German federal foreign office (Auswärtiges Amt) in Berlin on 3 March 2026.

The three-week seminar, held from 2 to 20 March 2026, brings together diplomats from the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova for an in-depth exchange on EU accession, with a focus on the rule of law as well as foreign and security policy.

According to the programme overview, the course includes sessions on the EU accession procedure, reform processes, and Germany’s approach to enlargement.

On 3 March, participants first received an introduction to the EU accession procedure from officials of the division for EU enlargement and EU relations at the federal foreign office, before engaging in a dedicated session with Adnan Ćerimagić.

In his presentation, Adnan outlined the political and technical aspects of the accession process. Drawing on ESI’s research, he highlighted the importance of credible political commitments by EU member states, realistic reform planning in candidate countries, and sustained public support for enlargement. The discussion focused on lessons from previous enlargement rounds, current developments in the Western Balkans, and the broader geopolitical context shaping EU decision-making. Participants engaged in an exchange on how accession processes can remain merit-based while responding to new security challenges in Europe.

• ESI proposal: “Preventing violence – transform Kosovo dialogue”
• ESI background: “Scoreboard - The true state of accession - What the Commission assessments reveal”
• ESI proposal: “End the turtle race How the EU can address the crisis of the accession process”
• ESI proposal: “Offer the four freedoms to the Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova For a merit-based EU accession process with a credible goal”
• ESI proposal: “47 again? Russia out, Kosovo in Support Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe”
• ESI proposal: “Abandon clichés about Bosnia: Push EU-related reforms instead of arbitrary conditions”
• ESI proposal: “No partition: Why Kosovo and Serbia must not discuss territory”
• ESI report: “Anti-Corruption Report for the West Balkans: Measure corruption in order to fight it”