The Strategers’ Square | October 4, 2025

Today we launched the first discussion of the Strategers’ Square Series, a new high-profile platform designed to bring together academia, businesses, civil society and policymakers.

Today’s focus was on: “Western Balkans, EU Enlargement and Growth in Changing Geopolitics”. Speakers underlined that enlargement is no longer just an accession process — it is a geostrategic necessity. But to move forward, the region must tackle challenges in five critical areas:

EU Integration and Regional Cooperation – reforms and alignment remain essential, with integration tied to Europe’s own stability and resilience. Strengthening regional cooperation will accelerate convergence and readiness for the EU single market:

• Human Capital – universities have expanded, but quality still lags; vocational education and micro-credentials must connect better with labor-market needs.
• Digitalization and AI – regional economies risk falling behind without bold innovation, stronger digital infrastructure, and institutional capacity to absorb EU funds effectively.
•  Sustainability and Energy – diversification, cross-border cooperation, and the green transition are now imperatives for long-term resilience and competitiveness.
• Governance – accountable institutions, transparent rule of law, and good corporate governance are fundamental to attracting investment and ensuring economic stability.
  
  Participants stressed that the Western Balkans need 5–6% annual growth to reach EU income levels — which requires stronger institutions, regional cooperation, and more effective use of EU instruments and funds. They also emphasized the role of civil society, academia and think-tanks as a bridge to policymakers, ensuring reforms are evidence-based, people-driven and transparent.
  
  These conclusions echo that: the region’s path to stability and integration depends above all on accountable governance, regional cooperation and inclusive reforms. Independent institutions, civic participation and rule of law are necessary for the progress of EU accession and growth.
  
  The message was clear: a stronger Western Balkans means a stronger Europe. What remains is the collective will to act and to transform aspirations into concrete reform.
  
  We thank for their contributions: Emeritus Prof. Iraj Hashi, Academician Prof. Abdylmenaf Bexheti, Prof. Gligor Bishev, Prof. Aleksandar Stojkov, Dragan Tilev, Drita Abdiu-Halili and Ilina Mangova.