Tirana – ESI at Aspen conference on structural change in the Western Balkans

Photo: Aspen Germany Institute

ESI senior analyst Adnan Ćerimagić took part in the Aspen Institute Germany’s conference Structural Change in the Western Balkans, held from 27 to 30 October 2025 at the Rogner Hotel in Tirana, Albania.

The conference gathered senior government officials, parliamentarians, academics, and civil society leaders from across the region, as well as European and international partners. Participants included Albania’s deputy minister for Europe and foreign affairs Megi Fino, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s deputy foreign minister Josip Brkić, and representatives of the German Embassy, the European Commission, and international organisations.

Discussions covered five key areas shaping the region’s future: digitalisation, climate and energy, labour markets, trade and open markets, and emigration. The sessions explored how the Western Balkans can advance structural transformation while aligning with the EU’s Green Agenda, Growth Plan, and single market integration.

Adnan contributed ESI’s perspective on the political and institutional dimensions of reform and regional cooperation, highlighting the need for credible EU accession policies that deliver tangible benefits for citizens and strengthen democratic institutions.

• ESI proposal: “Preventing violence – transform Kosovo dialogue”
• ESI background: “Scoreboard - The true state of accession - What the Commission assessments reveal”
• ESI proposal: “End the turtle race How the EU can address the crisis of the accession process”
• ESI proposal: “Offer the four freedoms to the Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova For a merit-based EU accession process with a credible goal”
• ESI proposal: “47 again? Russia out, Kosovo in Support Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe”
• ESI proposal: “Abandon clichés about Bosnia: Push EU-related reforms instead of arbitrary conditions”
• ESI proposal: “No partition: Why Kosovo and Serbia must not discuss territory”
• ESI report: “Anti-Corruption Report for the West Balkans: Measure corruption in order to fight it”