On behalf of the Austrian Society for European Politics (ÖGfE), the Austrian Institute for International Affairs (oiip), our WB2EU network partners, the Representation of the European Commission in Austria, and the Europa Club we would like to cordially invite you to our PUBLIC DEBATE in Vienna in the framework of our WB2EU Closing Event.

With Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, EU enlargement policy has taken on a completely new dynamic. Ukraine, Moldova, and Bosnia and Herzegovina have been granted candidate status; Kosovo has applied for membership; and accession negotiations have started with Northern Macedonia and Albania. In addition, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gave the debate further momentum in her State of the Union address with the prospect of an “EU30+”.

However, it is not only the candidate countries that must meet the accession criteria; the Union itself must also implement important reforms in order to be fit for enlargement. While EU members are still weighing geopolitical, national, and institutional interests against each other, the Western Balkan countries are in a protracted process of negotiation and reform.

At the conclusion of our three-year Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Network project on Europeanisation, democratisation and strengthening of civil society in the Western Balkans (WB2EU), coordinated with the oiip and in cooperation with 15 partners from all over Europe, we want to discuss current developments, obstacles, and perspectives of the EU enlargement and reform process.