Challenges and options for the Czech Presidency: Western Balkans remains high on the agenda

BIEPAG has been since its inception an important voice advocating for the integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union, and more broadly the Euroatlantic community. The scholars, researchers and policy experts it brings together and who hail from the region as well as from other European countries ensure a diversity of perspectives all focused on in-depth analysis going well beyond daily punditry. The fact that BIEPAG was an integral part of the Berlin Process and invited among other to present its findings to the leaders of Europe is testimony to its high relevance. The suggestions on ways to resolve key foreign and security policy and more generally societal and political challenges in the Western Balkans have been widely discussed in key governmental and non-governmental venues, in EU institutions and Western Balkans countries. BIEPAG continues to give a significant contribution to the necessary and essential debate on the further enlargement of the European Union.

In the difficult and uncertain situation that the Western Balkans are going through, expertise on the state of play and possible ways forward is more necessary than ever. This is precisely what the Balkans in Europe policy Advisory Group is providing, with rigor and fairness, through its policy and advocacy work. The scope of topics, the depth of the policy recommendations and critical approach are clear advantages of BIEPAG’s group of scholars, experts, and policy analysts. Their integrity and credibility are key, as it is an element of utmost importance for the relevance of the opinions, ideas and reflections presented in their work. BIEPAG’s perspectives and views are essential for helping the Balkans to move out of their stalemate. They are well accepted and recognized in the region, but even more in the EU member states. I hope that the European commission will draw from BIEPAG’s expertise in its policy recommendations.