Alpbach, August 25, 2024 – The Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans (OSF-WB), in partnership with the ERSTE Foundation, hosted an inspiring panel discussion titled “Hip Hope – Reimagining the Future in the Balkans”, to brainstorm for a new vision for the Western Balkans.

This panel brought together in Alpbach leading voices from the Western Balkans, such as Erion Veliaj, Mayor of Tirana; Nika Kovač, Founding Director of the 8th of March Research Institute; Miroslav Lajčák, EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue; and Milica Delević, Director for Governance and Political Affairs at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The discussion was expertly led by Ivan Vejvoda, Permanent Fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM).

A united genuine view was reached: as traditional diplomacy faces challenges, the Western Balkans must explore novel strategies to encourage regional collaboration and effectively support one another in achieving meaningful progress.

Ms. Nika Kovač underlined the key role that young people play in driving change in the region, highlighting their potential to shape a more progressive future. Mr. Erion Veliaj discussed the importance of local governments in this transformation, asserting that civil society is essential for fostering accountability and engagement in the community.

Ms. Milica Delević underscored the significance of the EU enlargement process, noting the opportunities it creates for the Western Balkans on their journey to join the European family. She reinforced the idea that integration into the EU framework can facilitate economic growth and political stability. Mr. Miroslav Lajčák addressed the security challenges facing the region while pointing out the opportunities for building a more stable and secure Western Balkans through dialogue. He stressed that tackling these challenges today is essential for the region’s future.

As a concluding unified thought, Ivan Vejvoda remarked on the importance of championing one another to drive meaningful change.

It all comes down to unity. This session of different perspectives served as an influential platform for addressing the pressing need for new perceptions in diplomacy, emphasizing that unity in overcoming challenges and leveraging opportunities for regional growth is essential.

It marks a concrete step toward fostering a collaborative environment in the Balkans, paving the way for future initiatives that aim to enhance regional cooperation and integration.