Within the framework of the REUNIR and Natolin Neighbourhood Days, on 9 October 2024, the European Neighbourhood Policy Chair at the College of Europe in Natolin, in cooperation with Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), hosted a special lecture Eyes Wide Shut: How EU Member States Reject Democracy in the Western Balkans in Favour of Geostrategy, presented by Prof. Dr Ivanka POPOVIĆ, former Rector of the University of Belgrade.
The lecture focused on key changes in Serbia since 2012 when the Serbian Progressive Party came into power. Particular emphasis was placed on the deterioration of democratic values and governing procedures and how they have affected various aspects of political and economic reality in Serbia and the daily life of its citizens. The EU response to these changes, as well as the lack of progress in Serbian accession to the EU and its effect on other potential EU members in the region were discussed.
The influence of countries such as Russia, China, Türkiye, UAE, Saudi Arabia and the USA, as well as multinational companies, on the integration track of Western Balkan countries were considered.
The lecture was followed by a Q&A session.