Strategers Institute took part at the BSC2025, where our President of the Board, Prof. Dr. Fatmir Besimi, participated as a speaker in the panel discussion “Resetting Enlargement: A New Approach towards the Western Balkans”.

Prof. Besimi highlighted the urgent need to align the enlargement process with today’s geopolitical context, emphasising that the region does not lack reforms, only, but also what it is important, the consistency and full implementation. True transformation, he underscored, depends on institutional capacity, continuity beyond political cycles and stronger incentives tied to measurable results.

In his intervention, Prof. Besimi presented seven key components for a more effective and accelerated EU integration process:

  • Performance – Progress must be evaluated through concrete implementation indicators.
  • Predictability – Clear sequencing, benchmarks, and timelines strengthen trust and planning.
  • Credibility – Delivered reforms must lead to timely and visible EU rewards.
  • Pace – A more dynamic, continuous enlargement process is needed to counter reform fatigue.
  • Staged Integration – A structured, step-by-step model enabling earlier access to Single Market benefits, EU agencies, and performance-based funding.
  • Communication & Inclusiveness – Citizens must be engaged and informed through transparent communication, participatory dialogue, and clear demonstration of how reforms improve daily life. Trust in enlargement grows when people experience and understand the benefits directly.
  • Leadership – The region must demonstrate domestic ownership, fiscal responsibility, and regional cooperation.

Prof. Besimi also stressed the strategic significance of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034), advocating for a dedicated enlargement envelope and a strengthened IPA IV capable of supporting transformative investments in rule of law, digitalisation, clean energy, connectivity, and human capital.

He concluded that enlargement must remain a transformative process delivering real improvements for citizens, guided by leadership in the region and supported by a credible, predictable, performance-driven EU approach.

We remain committed to fostering informed debate and supporting evidence-based solutions on the path toward EU integration.

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