Session 1: EU-Western Balkans Relations - Peace and Stability in the Region
(Click on the titles for the bios of the speakers.)
Mr. Jacques Marion, Co-chair, UPF Europe & Middle East, FranceSession 1 was moderated by Mr. Jacques Marion, Co-chairman, UPF Europe & Middle East. Mr. Marion mentioned the big challenges that the Western Balkans are facing to realize peace and security in the region. It has been the theme of the UPF conferences that were held for the last two years in each of the Western Balkan nations together with the Podgorica club. This conference will deal with the various issues connected with European Union integration and demographic transition, he said. He then introduced H.E. Albin Kurti, President of the Republic of Kosova, who gave the opening address of the first session titled “EU and Western Balkan relations, Peace and Stability in the Region.
H.E. Albin Kurti, Prime Minister, KosovoH.E. Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of Kosova
H.E. Albin Kurti referred to the desire for peace and stability being not only in Kosova or the Balkans, but in the whole world. The threat to peace comes from outside and inside as well. At the same time, we can see goodness in all nations. The will for people to rebuild demonstrates this, taking the example of Warsaw which was completely rebuilt as it was before. In Kosova, people have rebuilt but they also need to institutionalize. As for the rest of the world, they have the demographic problem of a low birth rate which dropped by about 8% in the last 13 years. In Kosova, we are trying to solve this through assistance to young families. And the other demographic problem is the displacement of people looking for work in another country. This has created a diaspora of 600,000 people. Learning from other countries will be a great advantage by the time of European integration.
H.E. Albin Kurti continued with numbers that demonstrate the economic growth of Kosova in the last two decades, such as a 21% increase in employment. Kosova can be proud of having the lowest public debt in Europe, which results in its attracting investors and developing a flourishing economy. With such results that can be seen, emigrants will come back to their native land. As in the past they were asked to sacrifice, now they are asked to invest. Going away is not a problem, it allows one to learn more languages and to gain increased knowledge. Therefore, emigration is not seen as a threat but as an advantage instead. It is expected to produce better collaboration between the country and the diaspora. Visas are easier to obtain, people visit their friends and relatives in neighbouring countries, because Kosova is close to other European Union countries. All these demographic movements contribute to economic growth.
A solution to emigration is to stimulate the connection between the economy and education. In that sense, the country has initiated a project designed to ensure that for any school or university degree issued there corresponds a job, with the purpose to take care of its youth. In conclusion, he emphasised that the relationship between the economy and education is the answer to the theme of our conference today: peace, stability and demographic transition in the Western Balkans.
H.E. Alfred Moisiu, President of Albania (2002 – 2007)H.E. Alfred Moisiu, President of Albania (2002-2007); Chairman of ISCP Balkans
H.E. Alfred Moisiu mentioned how much has been done in collaboration with UPF Albania, Kosova and the Podgorica Club to resolve the problems of security in the region. However, despite the various meetings, solutions have not yet been found to help the relationship between the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Kosova. Actually, the situation seems even to get worse. In the face of recent events in the areas situated close to the borders, the President of Serbia, H.E. Aleksandar Vučić, gave some conditions to Serbs residing in Kosova. It seems that these people don't want to go back to Serbia and the government of Belgrade should wonder why: why the people are happy where they are and have a good relationship with their neighbours of a different ethnic group. From now on, we should find a way for them to reconcile and understand each other. He suggested that H.E. Vučić only pretends to be coming closer to the West and leaving President Putin behind, whereas in fact this is not true. We must be wise, because of the axis Belgrade-Moscow that seeks to destabilize the region, he warned.
It seems as though all the meetings with the USA and the European Union, all the efforts to bring reconciliation in the region, have come to naught. Not only has there not been any fulfilment of the agreements made in Ohrid[i] but President Vučić has added even more requests, thus letting the situation in the Balkans become insecure and dangerous. H.E. Moisiu agreed with H.E. Kurti that people are good and want to live in peace. However, it is the role of politics to be an instrument to help nations to exist as good neighbours, instead of being an obstacle.
President Moisiu also requested that the international institutions and the E.U. support the rights of Albanians living in the Preševo Valley, in that they should firmly demand their protection. At the same time, Ambassadors for Peace should contribute more to peace and security in the region.
H.E. Filip Vujanović, president of Montenegro (2003-2018)H.E. Filip Vujanović, President, Podgorica Club; President, Montenegro (2003-2018)
H.E. Filip Vujanović complimented President Moisiu on his sincere efforts and the energy that he has invested for cooperation in the region. While they were both presidents, respectively in Albania and in Montenegro, they worked together to bring collaboration in the region. He recalled how President Moisiu repeatedly said that their people and nations are close and that they need to build together this road towards the future for better collaboration.
H.E. Vujanović also expressed his thanks to President Sejdiu, former president of Kosova, and to the government of Kosova. He recognized President Sejdiu's sense of universal values, as he took care of the needs of his country and, at the same time, considered the needs of the neighbouring countries. They remembered together the challenges of organizing this kind of conference in Pristina in June 2010. He expressed that this step needed a lot of inner strength, that their efforts contributed to bringing four presidents together, and later six, and that they could be really proud of these achievements and of the road they have travelled together for the sake of peace and stability in the region.
He also expressed his gratitude to UPF for its unconditional help and support to achieve peace and security in the Balkans, and that someone would come from a certain geographical distance to try to understand their nation's situation. H.E. Vujanović emphasized the fact that each nation has to take responsibility, then the Western Balkans together, and then the E.U. He thanked the panellists from the European Union for their sincere contribution and expressed that the E.U. has to integrate the Western Balkans nations in order to be whole. Borders are the real problem; wars are declared because of borders. Consequently, agreements began to be made about the borders between two countries of ex-Yugoslavia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro, in 2008, After the recognition of Kosova, however, it became difficult to ratify this agreement. Thanks to the support of Vienna, the agreement was accepted in 2015 and finally signed in 2018. Therefore, help from the outside is important. The cooperation between the E.U. and Western Balkans has brought the creation of a Western market. Close ties have been created through yearly summits between the E.U. and the Western Balkans. A 3-year plan was established in Trieste in 2017 to realize a model of economic cooperation between the countries of the Western Balkans. In Bulgaria, in 2020, this model was accepted by six countries. Unfortunately, as for now, only three countries are actually participating.
In conclusion, he expressed that for a regional initiative to work, we need to put the interests of the region first and only then our country's interests. Even though we need help from the E.U., we first need to cooperate with each other within the region and resolve our problems by each taking responsibility.
H. E. Fatmir Sejdiu, President of Kosovo (2006 – 2010)H.E. Fatmir Sejdiu, President of Kosovo (2006 – 2010)
H.E. Fatmir Sejdiu discussed the critical issues facing Kosovo and the Western Balkans, focusing on peace, stability, and democratic transition. He acknowledged the key figures and decision-makers involved in fostering cooperation between Kosovo, Albania, Montenegro, and Macedonia, and highlighted the ongoing pressure from Serbia, particularly its attempts to prevent the recognition of Kosovo's independence, including a challenge posed to the UN International Court of Justice. The speaker emphasizes the importance of regional cooperation, exemplified by agreements to open borders between countries to facilitate movement and economic growth.
H.E. Sejdiu also addressed challenges such as demographic shifts and migration, noting that many professionals are leaving Kosovo for better opportunities abroad. He called for greater investment in education, innovation, and sustainable development to create a more attractive environment for young people and professionals in Kosovo. He concluded by stressing the need for regional stability and development, warning against militarization and highlighting the need for coordinated efforts to stop the brain drain and ensure long-term political stability.
Hon. Klajda Gjosha, Minister of European Integration of Albania (2013-2017)Hon. Klajda Gjosha, Minister of European Integration of Albania (2013-2017)
In her speech, Hon. Klajda Gjosha emphasized the urgent need for peace, security, and unity in the Western Balkans and Europe. She expressed solidarity with nations facing conflicts, particularly highlighting the Russian war in Ukraine, which she views as a threat to democratic values and European Union (EU) expansion. Hon. Gjosha stresses that the Western Balkans' journey toward EU integration is essential for the long-term stability of the Western Balkans and regional peace. She advocated for Kosovo’s inclusion in NATO and the EU, arguing that full integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions is crucial for the region’s security.
Hon. Gjosha acknowledged the challenges of EU integration, emphasizing the need for reforms, rule of law, and democratic societies. She praised the Berlin Process and regional cooperation, but insists that these initiatives should complement, not replace, EU membership. She called on the political leaders to prioritize national and regional interests over personal agendas, urging them to embrace the European vision. Hon. Gjosha concluded by highlighting the aspirations of younger generations in the region, who already live by European values, and urged the leaders to ensure their countries' full inclusion in the EU.
Hon. Lukas Mandl, Member of European Parliament, AustriaHon. Lukas Mandl, Member of European Parliament, Austria
Hon. Lukas Mandl delivered a moving speech emphasizing peace, cooperation, and hope for the Western Balkans and their integration into the European Union. He began by sharing a quote from Jimi Hendrix: “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, there will be peace on Earth.” While acknowledging its poetic nature, Hon. Mandl believed it reflected a vision worth pursuing. He also cited Austrian novelist Stefan Zweig, emphasizing that achieving peace requires effort and resources, much like preparing for war.
Hon. Mandl noted Serbia’s absence from the conference, expressing hope that Serbia could become the economic engine of the Western Balkans, despite its leadership’s aggressive stance. He highlighted the potential of the region's youth, particularly in Kosovo, and proposed that the Western Balkans could become a "Silicon Valley of Europe," driven by digital innovation and education.
He referenced the “Zeitenwende” (turning point) in global politics, underscoring the region's strategic importance and calling for visionary, less bureaucratic EU policies. Hon. Mandl concluded by stressing the need for investments, reforms, and cooperation to foster economic growth and ensure a peaceful, integrated future for the Western Balkans within the European Union.
Hon. Marija Miteva, Member of Parliament, North MacedoniaHon. Marija Miteva, Member of Parliament, North Macedonia
In her speech, Hon. Marija Miteva expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and emphasized the importance of European Union-Western Balkans relations in promoting peace and stability. She highlighted the region's progress towards EU integration, despite the challenges such as political fragmentation and economic instability. Hon. Miteva stressed that EU enlargement is vital not only for economic growth, but also for ensuring long-lasting peace and strengthening democratic institutions.
She acknowledged the difficulties North Macedonia has faced in meeting the Copenhagen Criteria, especially under the previous government, but reaffirmed her country's commitment to necessary reforms, including in governance, judicial independence, and anti-corruption. Hon. Miteva also voiced disappointment over the EU’s decision to separate North Macedonia and Albania in the integration process, criticizing it as unfair, but vowing to continue working towards EU membership.
Hon. Miteva underscored that North Macedonia's integration into the EU is not just a national goal, but a regional necessity, which would benefit the entire Western Balkans and enhance EU security. She concluded by affirming the need for continued cooperation and dialogue to build a stable, peaceful, and prosperous region united within the European Union.
Dr. Michael Balcomb, Co-Chair, UPF Europe and the Middle EastDr. Michael Balcomb, Co-chairman, UPF, Europe & Middle East
In his closing remarks, Dr. Michael Balcomb reflected on the unexpected nature of conflicts, referencing American singer Pink’s song “Who Knew” to illustrate how unforeseen wars, such as those in the Middle East and Europe, erupted despite hopes for peace. He questioned why humanity repeatedly turns to violence and division, citing former UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld’s view that only a “spiritual revolution” could lead to lasting peace.
Dr. Balcomb emphasized that peace must start within individuals, urging listeners to stop blaming others — whether different nations, political parties, or groups — for blocking peace. He stressed the need to love one’s enemies and prioritize others’ interests over self-interest, arguing that this mindset is the true path to peace. Although difficult for politicians, he believed ambassadors for peace should lead by example. Dr. Balcomb concluded by highlighting the next generation’s potential to transcend existing borders and foster cooperation and dialogue for a more peaceful future.