In the context of the war in Ukraine and other global challenges, Europe and its strategic partners from beyond the Atlantic have encountered unparalleled security trials. Among these issues, the integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union has emerged as an urgent necessity, considering the safeguarding of Europe’s secure and thriving destiny.

Together with the European Liberal Forum, the Eurogroup ALDE Party – Liberals and Democrats for Europe and Sofia Tech Park, the “EU meets the Balkans” forum in Sofia brought together a number of politicians and public figures from across Europe to discuss regional cooperation in the Western Balkans and their integration into the EU in four thematic panels.

During the event, speakers discussed the common challenges facing Europe and the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU as a guarantor for a stable and peaceful future.

The panelists also addressed regional issues such as the foreign policy of the Republic of Turkey, the trilateral cooperation between Greece, Bulgaria and Romania, the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine and NATO enlargement in 2004.

Other topics of discussion included building regional connectivity in important areas such as infrastructure, technology, digitalisation and common security, while developing resilience and preparedness to deal with modern threats and risks.