The event was welcomed by the Official representative of KAS Daniel Braun who gave short introduction to the topic, expressing strong concerns on the current Russian war aggression in Ukraine and its impact on the European security and the security of the region.
In his contribution to the topic, Peter Beyer, Member of the German Bundestag and a Rapporteur on Transatlantic Relations and the Western Balkans, clearly condemned the war aggression toward Ukraine, stressing out that all countries in the region should clearly act in this direction. Condemning the war aggression and joining the sanctions toward Russia is an act of commitment of the countries of the region to follow the European path, values and principles. On the other hand, taking into consideration the increased influence and actions by other external actors, Beyer stressed out that the region needs a strong accession signal and the EU should intensify its approach towards the region.
In line with the contribution of the MP Beyer Nikola Poposki, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs additionally stressed the possible negative consequences to the region, which could be caused by putting the accession of the WB countries out of the top agenda of the EU. Mentioning as well the critical points of external influence in the region, as well as the results from the latest polls which indicate the still high but hence dropping support to the EU, he stated that the region needs more pushing energy and a clear accession message from the EU.
In the same line were as well the comments and the conclusions of the moderator Dr. Nenad Markovic, University professor and member of the National Security Council, agreeing with the speakers that the EU should keep its reputation and credibility and to demonstrate additional commitment to the region.
In his contribution to the event Dr. André Härtel, Researcher at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, referred to the geopolitical aspects and the historical developments which caused the current war aggression of Russia in Ukraine. He pointed out that under these circumstance EU needs to become more geopolitical actor, to dedicate itself more on the Western Balkan Region and not to allow to the European project to fall into depression.
All speakers agreed that the war in Ukraine in not just an act of aggression, but it is as well a confrontation of civilization, ideas and values.
