Programme

DRAFT PROGRAMME

9:45 Family photo with Enlargement Candidate Members and EESC Members

10:00 – 10:30 OPENING SESSION

  • Opening remarks by Séamus Boland, President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)
  • Keynote speech by Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement
  • Debate with EESC Members

10:35 – 11:15 PANEL I: “Building a safer, more resilient and secure Europe”

EU enlargement is closely linked to the ambition of building a safer, more resilient and secure Europe. The security and resilience of the EU and its Member States are increasingly interconnected with those of enlargement and neighbourhood partners, which face many of the same global crises and systemic challenges. Supporting candidateand potential candidate countries in strengthening preparedness, crisis management and democratic institutions therefore contribute directly to the Union’s collective stability and security. Through closer cooperation to anticipate, prevent and respond to threats, including hybrid, cyber and foreign information manipulation, the enlargement process fosters shared resilience while reinforcing democratic governance. In this context, a whole-of-society approach involving public authorities, civil society organisations and social partners is essential to protect democratic values, empower citizens and ensure that Europe’s security, freedom and prosperity are safeguarded across an enlarged Union.

Moderator:

  • Teona Lavrelashvili, Research Associate, Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies

Speakers:

  • Mihai Popșoi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova
  • David McAllister, Member of the European Parliament, Chair of the AFET Committee (video-message)
  • Nerijus Aleksiejūnas, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Lithuania to the EU
  • Ariane Rodert, Rapporteur of the EESC's opinion on the Union Preparedness strategy

Discussion with:

  • Kateryna Glazkova, Enlargement candidate member, Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs
  • Čedanka Andrić, Enlargement candidate member, Independent Trade Union Confederation of Serbia
  • Çiğdem Nas, Enlargement candidate member, Economic Development Foundation, Türkiye
  • Lejla Bičakčić, Enlargement candidate member, Centre for Investigative Reporting, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • EESC Members

11:15 – 11:55 PANEL II: “Accelerating socio-economic convergence with the EU to drive European growth and competitiveness”

The acceleration of socio-economic convergence between enlargement countries and the European Union is a key driver for strengthening Europe’s overall growth, resilience and competitiveness. Beyond economic integration, this process requires inclusive policies that empower citizens, businesses, and workers to fully participate in the single market. Social partners and civil society organisations play a crucial role in fostering dialogue, supporting reforms, and ensuring that convergence translates into tangible benefits for people on the ground. At the same time, strengthening financial literacy and economic awareness across societies is essential to enable individuals and SMEs to access opportunities, mobilise investment and contribute to sustainable and inclusive economic development throughout an enlarged EU.

Moderator:

  • Igor Šoltes, Head of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Office in Brussels

Speakers:

  • Zoran Dimitrovski, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of the Republic of North Macedonia
  • Oleg Roibu, EESC Member, rapporteur of the opinion REX/612 "Civil society's role in supporting reform under the Growth Plans for the Western Balkans and Moldova, as well as in Ukraine's reform path"
  • Andrej Zorko, EESC Member, co-rapporteur of the opinion REX/612

Discussion with:

  • Juliana Hoxha, Enlargement candidate member, Director of Partners Albania for Change and Development
  • Raisa Liparteliani, Enlargement candidate member, Georgian Trade Unions’ Confederation
  • Kıvanç Eliaçık, Enlargement candidate member, Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Türkiye
  • Dren Puka, Enlargement candidate member, Foundation for Civil Society, Kosovo*
  • Pavle Radovanović, Enlargement candidate member, Chamber of Economy of Montenegro
  • EESC Members

11:55 – 12:00 CONCLUDING REMARKS

  • Valentina Superti, Director for Western Balkans, European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST)
  • Séamus Boland, EESC President

* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.

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