Cathedra Adenauer is a scientific and educational platform where students, experts, academics and stakeholders discuss and share their views on current topics related to the European Union, the general challenges facing the European continent, and topics related to EU enlargement and the Western Balkans region.
The first discussion entitled "De-risking Globalization and Enhancing EU Foreign Policy" was held at the Faculty of Law “Iustinianus Primus” in Skopje on 04 October 2024.
During the discussion, the participants shared their views on security and external challenges in Europe and beyond, with a particular focus on the Western Balkan countries and the EU perspectives of the region. The keynote speaker at the event was the Member of the German Bundestag Peter Beyer.
The second discussion entitled “Enlargement and the Western Balkans: Conflicts and Opportunities” was organized on 6 November 2024 at the House of Army in Bitola.
At this discussion, the participants emphasized that the countries of the Western Balkans region should work dedicatedly towards meeting EU standards through substantial reforms, especially in the areas of economic development, rule of law, the fight against corruption, as well as strengthening regional cooperation as key areas for securing the European perspective.
On 14 November, the final discussion within this year's Cathedra Adenauer was held at the Faculty of Law at the University "Goce Delchev" in Stip on the topic "Regional Cooperation and European Integration - Western Balkans and the EU Agenda".
On the event was discussed the regional cooperation and the European integration processes, as well as the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. According to the participants, the regional cooperation and the implementation of the reform agendas of the Western Balkan countries are part of the obligations arising from the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and at the same time represent an opportunity for better alignment of national policies with the European standards and principles.
Overall, this year's Cathedra Adenauer provided a platform for extensive discussions and analyses of the key challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the European Union and the Western Balkans region. The discussions covered a broad range of issues, starting with addressing global risks and the need to strengthen European foreign policy, analyzing the enlargement process and its effects on the Western Balkans, and highlighting the importance of regional cooperation as a crucial factor for successful European integration. Participants shared their visions, experiences, and insights on the need to enhance regional cooperation, while emphasizing the role of the EU as a driving force for the democratic, economic, and institutional development of the Western Balkan countries.
