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INVITATION TO EXPERT ROUNDTABLE

The Western Balkan towards EU integration: what are the prospects and main challenges?

After a rather long period of enlargement fatigue, the European Commission adopted, in February 2018, a strategy for the Western Balkans, which confirms the European future of the region, sets a target date of 2025 for the accession of and and establishes an Action Plan that aims to strengthen the rule of law, increase the socio-economic development, and support reconciliation and good neighborly relations. In April 2018, the Commission proposed the opening of accession negotiations with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and . Nevertheless, important challenges like security, migration, neighborly disputes, and structural economic weaknesses are still faced by all countries of the region.

Vocal Europe invites you to an expert roundtable on 19 June 2018 to discuss the key topics surrounding the accession process, as well as the implications that EU association holds for a region that is increasingly seen as a geopolitical target by other powerful players.

We would be delighted if you were to accept this invitation and look forward to hearing from you shortly. We remain at your disposal for any further information.

Please confirm your attendance latest by 15th of June 2018 by sending an e-mail to [email protected]

Time: 19 June 2018, 10:30 – 12:30

Output: The discussion will be LIVE streamed.

Format: The roundtable stream will follow the countries based on alphabetical order. Participants are (about 20-25) MEPs, Member States’ Permanent Representations, experts, academics, and corporates.

Venue: Rue De la Science 14B, 1040 Brussels

The Programme

10h15 Registration

10h30 Introduction and Welcoming Remarks Julien Hoez, Policy Analyst, Vocal Europe (moderator)

10h35 Input statement Clive RUMBOLD, Deputy Head of Western Balkans Division at European External Action Service

10h45 Current Outlook of the countries in the region

Albania

H.E. Mrs. Suela JANINA, Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the EU

Bosnia and Herzegovina & Kosovo*

Thomas WAITZ, Vice Chair of Delegation to Kosovo*, and BiH

*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence

Macedonia (FYROM)

Alojz PETERLE, Chair of European Parliament Delegation to FYROM

Angel DZHAMBAZKI, Vice Chair of European Parliament Delegation to FYROM

Montenegro

Jozo RADOS, Member of European Parliament Delegation to Montenegro

Isabella DE MONTE, Substitute of European Parliament Delegation to Montenegro

Serbia

Eduard KUKAN, Chair of European Parliament Delegation to Serbia

11h35 Contributors to the Debate

Andre DE MUNTER, Policy Analyst at the European Parliament

Milena HARITO, Former Minister of State for Innovation and Public Administration of Albania

Toby VOGEL, Policy Analyst at Center for European Policy Studies, Brussels

Corina STRATULAT, Senior Policy Analyst at European Policy Centre, Brussels

12h00 Q&A

12h30 End of the Roundtable