Photo of the roundtable's participants during the session.

On 27 March 2025, the EUISS hosted a roundtable hosted a thought-provoking roundtable focused on the evolving power dynamics in the Western Balkans.

As global tensions reshape security dynamics, the Western Balkans stands at a crossroads, caught between external pressures, unresolved disputes, and internal political fragilities. The ripple effects of Russia's war against Ukraine, shifting regional power balances, and the uncertain path of EU enlargement continue to redefine the region's security landscape. Taking a forward-looking approach, the session explored the key risks and opportunities that will shape the region in 2025-2026. The conversation thus centered around the region's future, including the roles the EU and NATO will play in ensuring security, resilience, and stability.

The roundtable was opened by the EUISS director, Steven Everts, with key contribution from NATO SHAPE, followed by an exchange of views with French interlocutors, including the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Armed Forces, Jacques Delors Institute, OECD, Sciences Po and Eurocreative.

The roundtable was organised and moderated by Bojana Zorić, Research Analyst for Western Balkans at EUISS.