Belgrade – ESI at conference on the EU’s role in international relations and the Western Balkans

Kristof Bender. Photo: Res Publica Foundation

ESI senior analyst Adnan Ćerimagić took part in the conference EU’s Role in International Relations and the Western Balkans, held on 17 October 2025 at the European House in Belgrade, Serbia.

The event gathered diplomats, academics, and policy experts to discuss the European Union’s role in global affairs and its foreign policy towards the Western Balkans. It was opened by Plamena Halacheva, deputy head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, and featured speakers from leading European institutions and think tanks.

Adnan spoke in the second panel, EU’s Foreign Policy in the Western Balkans, moderated by Bojana Selaković, coordinator of the National Convention on the EU. Fellow panellists included Vladimir Međak, vice-president of the European Movement in Serbia, and Frauke M. Seebass, visiting fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) Agenda CFSP-Serbia 2025.

In his remarks, Adnan highlighted ESI’s analysis of the EU’s approach to the region, emphasising the need for credible enlargement policies, support for democratic reforms, and stronger engagement with local actors to ensure stability and progress.

During the conference, he also exchanged views with EU and regional representatives on future challenges for EU integration and foreign policy coordination in the Western Balkans.

• 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”