Madrid – ESI presents ideas on EU enlargement to Spanish foreign minister Josep Borrell

Debate on the future of the EU enlargement process at the Spanish Foreign Ministry. Photo: ESI/Kristof Bender

ESI's director Gerald Knaus and his deputy Kristof Bender presented ESI's ideas on "Norway in the Balkans" and the future of EU enlargement policy at a meeting organised by current Spanish foreign minister and future EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell. Other participants at the closed-door event included Spain's secretary of state for EU affairs Luis Marco Aguiriano Nalda, deputy director general for EU candidate countries Pilar Ruiz Carnicero, adviser to the prime minister Borja Lasheras Tina, and ECFR Madrid head Nacho Torreblanca.

At the invitation of minister Borrell, Gerald also delivered a talk on ESI's ideas on enlargement policy and asylum policy at a public event in the Casa de America. The talk was introduced by the Spanish foreign minister, who had invited members of the diplomatic corps in Madrid.

Gerald and Kristof also met Italian Ambassador Stefano Sanino and a few of his EU diplomatic colleagues whom he had invited for an informal chat on the future of EU enlargement policy at the Italian embassy. 

• ESI newsletter, Coup de grâce – Delors and squaring the circle – Norway in the Balkans, 25 October 2019

Gerald the Casa de America, introduced by Spanish foreign minister Josep Borrell. Gerald's presentation was moderated by Nacho Torreblanca of ECFR Madrid. Photo: ESI/Kristof Bender

Gerald and Kristof with Carlos Gonzales Fernandez (centre), ESI's analyst in Spain

Gerald with Ambassador Stefano Sannino at the Italian Embassy in Madrid. Photo: ESI/Kristof Bender