The European Movement International and Raiffeisen Bank International held a panel event entitled “The Future of EU Enlargement: The Invasion of Ukraine and its impact on the Western Balkans”, which took place on Wednesday, 29th June (09:00-10:30 CEST) at Radisson RED, Rue d’Idalie 35, 1050 Brussels.

The invasion of Ukraine is affecting Europe in a multitude of ways. Its impact is also felt in the Western Balkans, not least in terms of the region’s relationship with the EU and with Russia.  

Furthermore, Ukraine’s application to join the EU has put the focus on enlargement again. Acknowledging the complications of Western Balkans countries (potential) candidacies, and the reasons that have hindered their enlargement processes, the event also highlighted what Western Balkans countries can bring to the table, and the ways their future prospects are intertwined with the EU’s.  

The topic was tackled from an economic and geostrategic perspective: What are the economic implications of the War in Ukraine on the region? What is the added value of Western Balkans countries?  

The panel featured:

• Lukas Mandl MEP, Group of the European People’s Party (EPP)
• Anita Kovacic, CEO, Raiffeisen Bank Kosovo
• Gledis Gjipali, Executive Director, European Movement Albania
• Maria Simeonova, Programme Coordinator, ECFR Sofia

Moderated by Petros Fassoulas, Secretary General of the EMI.

Agenda:
09:00-09:30 : Welcome coffee
09:30-10:30 : Panel discussion

Address: Radisson RED, Rue d’Idalie 35, 1050 Brussels
Date: Wednesday, 29th June 2022
Time: 09:00-10:30 CET