Bled – ESI moderates a panel on youth and EU enlargement with Western Balkans foreign ministers

Kristof Bender. Photo: Res Publica Foundation

ESI senior analyst Adnan Ćerimagić moderated the panel discussion “No Region for Young People – Time for Change” at the Bled Strategic Forum on 2 September 2025. The panel brought together five Western Balkans foreign ministers – Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz (Kosovo), Elmedin Konaković (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Igli Hasani (Albania), Marko Đurić (Serbia), and Timcho Mucunski (North Macedonia) – alongside six young civil servants from across the region.

This unusual format created a rare space for dialogue between political leaders and those working daily on EU-related reforms. The discussion focused on how to make the Western Balkans a region where young people see their future, rather than one they wish to leave.

Ministers reflected on the policies their governments pursue to address youth challenges, while civil servants presented research and proposals on issues ranging from gender equality in defence and energy, to tech-facilitated trafficking, regional cooperation, and the effective use of EU funds.

The session was part of the Forum’s broader theme, “a runaway world”, and aimed to provide an experimental platform for reflection, exchange, and new ideas.

Adnan’s reflection on the outcome of the panel is available here.

• 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”