On 12 December, Bojana Zorić, Research Analyst for the Western Balkans, spoke on behalf of the Institute at a conference in Belgrade titled Outlook and Implications for the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy in 2025. The event was supported by the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia and featured the participation of H.E. Emanuele Gioffre, Ambassador of the European Union to Serbia, and H.E. René Troccaz, French Special Envoy for the Western Balkans.
The conference delved into the evolving relationship between the EU and the Western Balkans, focusing on the challenges and opportunities shaping their future by 2025. Discussions explored the region’s alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), emphasising the need for deeper cooperation amidst complex geopolitical shifts. Participants examined the role of candidate countries in contributing to EU security initiatives, the implications of slow accession processes, and the growing importance of regional defence and cybersecurity capabilities. The dialogue also reflected on the EU's expanding role in fostering stability and development, highlighting its influence beyond traditional peacekeeping efforts.
