Enhancing EU-Western Balkans cooperation and the role of the Western Balkans in the EU’s future ware the focus of the conference held in Rome on 29 May 2024, organised by the Istituto Affari Internazionali and the Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa. Stemming from the European Council’s call for EU reforms to accommodate new members, the discussions centred on three main areas. Firstly, the conference examined how Western Balkan countries can benefit from greater participation in the European Single Market through the New Growth Plan, emphasising economic reforms and financial support. Secondly, it explored the Western Balkans’ contributions to the EU’s strategic autonomy, particularly in security and economic sectors. Lastly, the need for concurrent reforms within the EU and candidate countries was highlighted, promoting early involvement of candidate states in EU governance to foster a sense of ownership and mutual recognition. The conference underscored the strategic importance of the Western Balkans for EU stability and security.

Report of the conference “Preparing for Enlargement: The EU and Western Balkans’ Contributions”, Rome, 29 May 2024