On April 8, 2022, the European Institute of Romania (EIR) organized a meeting of experts on the topic “Views on the Future of Europe from the EU’s Neighbouring Countries “ (online format – Zoom).
The event was a continuation of the initiative to develop the collective report published by the EIR in December 2021, entitled “Views on the Future of Europe from the EU’s Neighbouring Countries”.
The meeting aimed to facilitate a dialog between experts (authors of the collective report) regarding the future of Europe, taking into account the current developments in Ukraine, starting from the elements included in the contributions to the report.
The meeting was conducted under Chatham House Rule.
The following main ideas emerged from the debate:
- The core elements of the collective report edited by the EIR have been reaffirmed.
- Countries in the EU`s neighborhood, from both the Western and Eastern Balkans, must continue reforms on the European path, while the EU must strengthen its proactive role in relations with these states, given the fact that there is a major risk of a decrease in credibility among the population and an increase in third-party influences.
- Russia’s aggression in Ukraine was condemned by all participants in the event. The conflict affects both the states of the Western Balkans and those of the Eastern Neighbourhood. The positions adopted by the EU`s neighbouring countries regarding the sanctions against Russia are more than favorable and in accordance with the general perceptions of their Recent developments must be turned into an opportunity for the enlargement policy.
- Turkey plays the role of security actor and considers itself a bridge between east and west and an important partner for the EU due to its strategic position. Turkey can become a gas transfer hub for the EU and can support the transition to renewable resources.
- In 2021, Ukraine had an Association Agreement with the European Union, a more comprehensive cooperation framework than any international trade agreement signed by the EU. Ukraine is ready for accession negotiations due to the reforms implemented and measures adopted for legal harmonization, while the current exceptional situation justifies the granting of candidate status.
- Romania constantly supports the continuation of the European integration process. Our country has always favored an open-door policy towards states that demonstrate the will and ability to meet the necessary criteria for EU membership.
- The Euro-Atlantic future of the Western Balkans countries, as well as those in the Eastern Partnership, is an important foreign policy objective for Romania.
- Participants are encouraged to support academic activities for mutual benefit and work together on joint projects to realize the potential of regional cooperation.