Today in Brussels, Strategers Institute, in cooperation with the CEFTA Secretariat, convened the high-level policy dialogue “Gradual Integration of the Western Balkans into the Single Market: Accelerating Convergence with the EU,” a satellite event of the EU Enlargement Forum 2026, European Commission.

In the context of the European Commission’s pre-enlargement policy review package, the discussion focused on how gradual integration can advance the region’s EU accession while delivering tangible benefits for businesses and citizens.

We were pleased to welcome @Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans at DG ENEST, @European Commission; @Maida Gorčević, Minister of European Affairs of Montenegro; @Pranvera Kastrati, Director of the CEFTA Secretariat; and @Fatmir Besimi, Strategers Institute, former Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs and Minister of Finance of North Macedonia. The dialogue was moderated by @Nicholas Whyte, Senior Director at APCO Global Solutions.

At the heart of the exchange was how to turn closer integration into meaningful economic progress. The discussion considered how reforms, financing and regional cooperation can support greater access to the Single Market, strengthen competitiveness and improve living standards, with gradual integration serving as a stepping stone towards full EU membership.

The Growth Plan, the Common Regional Market and the proposed 2028–2034 EU budget provided a framework for discussing the practical choices ahead: how to support reform delivery, make effective use of investment and measure progress towards convergence.

Thank you to our speakers, moderator and all participants for their perspectives and contributions.

#StrategersInstitute #CEFTA #WesternBalkans #EUIntegration #SingleMarket