Jean Monnet Workshop:
RE-THINKING EU ENLARGEMENT
In rethinking EU enlargement, we open the debate on ‘security/stability through democracy’ or ‘democracy through security/stability’. Should EU enlargement be informed by a short-term perspective of geostrategic calculations, or should it be based on a more profound long-term community-building process? What mechanism – policy tools are needed to have a credible EU enlargement policy with a realistic accession perspective and substantial democratic changes that will enhance Europe’s at large ‘collective security’ and ‘democratic prosperity’ (rule of law, respect for EU values and fundamental rights) which are both cornerstones, anchors, and engines of fostering the European integration in solid peace/stability and democracy. Such double-headed policy is key for the (Enlarged) European Union – especially during heightened geopolitical competition and democratic backsliding. How the EU (including its Member States) and the candidate countries will respond to the strains resulting from such an EU enlargement dilemma, and what trade-offs will have to be made to reconcile the tensions.
Organisers & Speakers
Link
Jean Monnet Conference:
EU Enlargement and External Governance: Geopolitical Challenges, Policy Responses, and Legal Approaches
Dr. Zamira Xhaferri, in collaboration with the Embassy of Kosovo in The Hague, had the pleasure of hosting the conference “EU Enlargement and External Governance: Geopolitical Challenges, Policy Responses, and Legal Approaches.”
The discussions centred on the future of EU enlargement, with particular attention to the Western Balkans. The conference explored how EU enlargement can support regional stability and geopolitical influence, assessing its link to internal reforms, governance, and financial tools, such as the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. It also highlighted the role of communication and public engagement in shaping perceptions of the process, as well as both the opportunities and the difficulties of enlargement, while reflecting on how policy responses and legal approaches can shape Europe’s future.
H.E. Dren Doli, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the Netherlands, welcomed the audience and introduced a distinguished group of speakers who shared their insights and expertise, to set the stage for a productive exchange of ideas.
The conference was moderated by Dr. Zamira Xhaferri and was attended by a large group of distinguished Ambassadors, Diplomats, Representatives of Dutch Ministries and international organisations, as well as many passionate students and young professionals working in the field.
