“EU Enlargement and Societal Transformation in the Western Balkans: Civil Society and Youth Engagement for Democratic Resilience” conference

Full house with students, diplomats, NGOs, youth, academics, public institutions representatives, and our College of Europe community for the “EU Enlargement and Societal Transformation in the Western Balkans: Civil Society and Youth Engagement for Democratic Resilience” conference, on the13th of March.

Our keynote speakers, Commissioner for Enlargement, Ms. Marta Kos, and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Mr. Igli Hasani, shared excellent insights into the EU Enlargement’s Transformational Potential, Challenges of Societal Transformation in the EU Accession Process and Role of Civil Society Organisations, and Youth Engagement Initiatives on WB countries.

The keynote speech from Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Mr. Igli Hasani marked the opening of the first panel. He stressed that the EU’s strategic policy of welcoming new members and building strong partnerships remains the best geopolitical tool to address security threats, uncertainties and challenges to peace and stability.

The memorable speech of the Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, marked the second panel of our Departmental conference.

Commissioner Kos emphasised that civil society is essential for successful EU integration as it strengthens democracy, accountability, and inclusivity.
She stressed that EU accession must be a whole-of-society effort, not just a governmental process.

The panelists brought their expertise both from academic and civil society perspectives.

Congratulations to our ETI department for organizing a valuable conference addressing EU Enlargement and Civil Society in Western Balkans countries.

College of Europe - Tirana Campus is funded by the European Union.