Recent statements by the President of the European Commission and other EU leaders on the EU’s commitment towards the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries are a welcome sign that the region is finally back on the EU’s priority list. The deterioration in democratic standards and the rule of law over the past few years have underlined the continued fragility of those countries in the EU’s nearest neighbourhood. The European Commission’s Enlargement Strategy Paper to be published on 6th February will be the first of several official events and activities planned for this year focussing on the Western Balkans. The content of this much anticipated document will set the tone for the EU’s approach towards the region for the forthcoming period.
The presentation by Mr. Maciej Popowski,Deputy Director General, Directorate General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, will provide an opportunity to learn at first hand of the approach put forward by the European Commission, and the perspectives for the coming period.
Free participation in our meetings is a benefit of CEPS membership. Non-members may be admitted for Euro 50, paid in cash at registration. Representatives from the European institutions (Commission – Parliament – Council – EEAS – Committee of the Regions – CESE) & members of the press benefit from free entrance, too. A sandwich lunch will be served from 12.30 onwards.