In a week marked by both optimism and urgency, leaders and policymakers from across the Western Balkans gathered in two major regional events, underscoring a renewed commitment to European integration and economic transformation. The gatherings—one in Skopje, North Macedonia, and the other in Golem, Albania—brought together high-ranking officials, experts, and presidents to chart a course toward a more peaceful, prosperous, and united future within the European Union.
On October 3, 2025, Skopje played host to a regional seminar organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), where Deputy Minister for European Affairs Viktorija Trajkov addressed delegates from all Western Balkan countries. Trajkov’s message was one of hope and determination. She highlighted the opportunities presented by the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, emphasizing that the region has a unique chance to shape the future for coming generations. “We can accelerate the flow of goods in the region, we can strengthen our economies, and we can turn challenges into opportunities because we know how,” Trajkov said, according to the Ministry of European Affairs.
Trajkov welcomed the gathering of experts, noting the particular significance of drawing on experiences from both the United Nations and the European Union. “As countries whose future aligns with European perspectives, we know our obligations and we know the path we need to build together and united. Ideas connect our people, making the region more integrated and stronger despite the challenges ahead,” she added. Her belief was clear: the collaborative projects discussed at the seminar would help create a better tomorrow for the region’s citizens.
Just days later, on October 6, 2025, the coastal town of Golem, Albania, became the stage for the annual Brdo-Brijuni Process summit. This diplomatic initiative—launched in 2013 by EU members Slovenia and Croatia—has become a linchpin in efforts to support EU enlargement to the Western Balkans, a region that includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo. The event, held 30 miles west of Tirana, brought together the presidents of all these nations, along with members of Bosnia’s tripartite presidency.
In a joint declaration, the leaders articulated a “shared vision toward the European perspective of our entire region.” The statement reaffirmed their commitment to supporting European integration and fostering inclusive regional cooperation, with the ultimate goal being a “peaceful, strong, stable, prosperous, and united Europe.”
But the path to EU membership is not uniform across the region. Montenegro and Albania currently lead in the accession process, while Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and North Macedonia are progressing more slowly. This uneven pace reflects the complex political, economic, and historical realities each nation faces.
One major catalyst for renewed EU interest in enlargement has been the war in Ukraine, which erupted in February 2022. According to the Associated Press, the war and Russia’s growing confrontation with the West have heightened concerns about security and stability in the Balkans—a region still scarred by the conflicts of the 1990s. As a result, the EU’s openness to accepting new members has increased, injecting fresh momentum into the enlargement process.
The leaders at the Golem summit welcomed a 6 billion euro growth plan designed to advance reforms and foster economic development in the Western Balkans. Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar underscored the urgency of the moment, urging Brussels to expedite the accession process. “Security and peace in Europe is at stake,” she warned, highlighting the broader implications of the region’s successful integration.
Pirc Musar also described the Brdo-Brijuni Process as a vital “platform for trust and partnership,” stating, “It is a space where we build the European future of our region. I am convinced that only through our collective efforts can we make this future a reality—a future that will bring stability, prosperity, and, fundamentally, new opportunities for our citizens.” Her remarks captured the spirit of the summit, which was led by Albanian President Bajram Begaj, Croatian President Zoran Milanovic, and herself, with participation from all relevant national leaders.
The Brdo-Brijuni Process, named after Brdo pri Kranju in Slovenia and the Brijuni Islands in Croatia—both symbols of reconciliation and diplomacy—aims to strengthen political dialogue and promote reconciliation in a region where tensions, especially between Serbia and Kosovo, still simmer. The initiative’s roots lie in the desire to heal the wounds of the 1990s wars and to build a foundation for lasting peace and cooperation.
While the annual gathering is largely ceremonial, its symbolic power should not be underestimated. According to the Associated Press and other sources, the process provides a rare forum for open dialogue among leaders who, despite ongoing disputes, share a common aspiration: to see their countries fully integrated into the European family.
Back in Skopje, Trajkov’s remarks at the UNECE seminar echoed the same themes of unity and forward-looking ambition. She stressed the importance of learning from international partners and leveraging regional strengths. “I firmly believe that the projects we are discussing today will create our future tomorrow,” Trajkov stated, reinforcing the idea that collaboration and shared vision can turn challenges into tangible opportunities.
The dual focus on economic growth and political integration is reflected in the 6 billion euro growth plan, which leaders across the region have embraced. This plan is seen as a critical tool for advancing the reforms needed to align with EU standards—whether in governance, the rule of law, or market competitiveness. The hope is that, with these resources and a renewed sense of purpose, the Western Balkans can finally overcome longstanding obstacles and accelerate their journey toward EU membership.
Yet, as leaders acknowledged, the road ahead is not without hurdles. The varying speeds of reform, persistent bilateral tensions, and the legacy of past conflicts all pose significant challenges. Nevertheless, the mood at both the Skopje seminar and the Golem summit was one of cautious optimism. There was a palpable sense that the region stands at a crossroads, with a unique window of opportunity to secure a brighter, more stable future for its people.
As the events of this week demonstrated, the Western Balkans are determined to seize this moment. With strong backing from the EU, the United Nations, and their own citizens, leaders are betting that cooperation, dialogue, and hard work will finally pay off. The dream of a united, European Western Balkans may still face obstacles, but it has never felt closer—or more urgent—than it does right now.
