BUILDING A STABLE WESTERN BALKANS: REGIONAL CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES - Despite the new momentum surrounding EU enlargement to the Western Balkans, the region has faced renewed threats to its stability.

Challenges including the rise of nationalism due to unresolved conflicts, economic difficulties, ethnic tensions, and political instability have been exacerbated by the war in Ukraine and attempts by outside actors to increase their malign influence in the region with the hope of inhibiting European integration.

In spite of these challenges, there are also opportunities for building a more stable and secure Western Balkans. The region is required to implement deep reforms to join the European Union, and there is a desire for cooperation among the Western Balkan Six.

This event brings together experts from the Balkans in Europe Policy Advising Group (BiEPAG) to discuss the regional challenges and opportunities in the Western Balkans, with a focus on political developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, and the opportunities that exist to promote stability and security in the region and keep the Western Balkans aligned on a European path.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 11/16/23