Berlin – ESI presentation on the EU and the Western Balkans

ESI’s Gerald Knaus was invited to give a presentation on “Empty promises or a real perspective? The EU and the Western Balkans.” The event was organised by the Schwarzkopf-Stiftung.

In his presentation, Gerald spoke about how the war between Russia and Ukraine could affect the accession process of the Western Balkans and possibly destabilise the region, especially regarding Bosnia’s fragile state, where concerns about a civil war have increased.

In addition, Gerald referred to the dangers of drawing new borders in the region and how such ideas, which would require military action, would break down the peace in the region and any hope of accession and integration towards the EU.

Gerald also presented ESI’s proposals for the Western Balkan such as the Western Balkan’s integration to the EU single market as a credible promise since the six countries in the region could not remain in a state of limbo regarding their accession process.

The panel was moderated by Elisa Mauke (student of German History at the University of Potsdam).

• “Open EU Single Market to the Balkans”
• “Escaping the Hamster Wheel: For a reformed, merit-based EU accession process that offers a credible interim goal”
• “Abandon clichés about Bosnia: Push EU-related reforms instead of arbitrary conditions”
• “Start EU accession talks with North Macedonia: Keep your word. Strengthen reformers”
• “No partition: Why Kosovo and Serbia must not discuss territory”
• “Anti-Corruption Report for the West Balkans: Measure corruption in order to fight it”