On 8 April 2022, the European Institute of Romania (EIR) organised the expert meeting „Views on the Future of Europe from the EU’s Neighbouring Countries” (online format – Zoom). The event was a follow-up to the elaboration of the collective report published by EIR in December 2021, titled “Views on the Future of Europe from the EU’s Neighbouring Countries”. The main objective of the meeting was to facilitate an expert discussion (among the authors of the Report) on the future of Europe considering the impact of the current developments in Ukraine and having as a starting point the elements included in the contributions to the report.
The meeting was held under Chatham House Rules.
The following main ideas resulted from the event:
- The main elements of the collaborative report edited by the EIR were reinforced.
- The EU’s Neighbouring Countries, both in the Western Balkans and in the East, must continue their reforms on the European path, while the EU should increase its proactive role in its relations with these states, especially since there is a major risk of decreasing credibility among the population and growing third-party influences.
- The Russian aggression in Ukraine was condemned by all participants. The conflict affects both the Western Balkan countries and the Eastern Neighbouring ones. The positions of the EU’s neighbouring countries with regard to the sanctions imposed to Russia are more than favourable and in line with the general perceptions of their respective peoples. Recent developments should be transformed into a window of opportunity for the Enlargement Policy.
- Turkey plays the role of a security actor and it sees itself as a bridge between East and West, and presents itself as an important partner for the EU due to its strategic position. Turkey may become a transfer hub for gas for the EU and can also support the transition process to renewable resources.
- In 2021, Ukraine had the Association Agreement with the European Union, which is more comprehensive framework than any international trade agreement signed by the EU before. Ukraine is prepared for the accession talks due to the reforms implemented and the steps towards legal harmonisation, while the current exceptional situation justify the granting of candidate status.
- Romania is a committed supporter of the continuation of the European integration process. It has always favoured an “open-doors” policy towards the states that show they have the will and the capacity to fulfil the criteria required for joining the EU. The Euro-Atlantic future of countries in the Western Balkans, as those in the Eastern Partnership is an important foreign policy objective for Romania.
- The participants are encouraged to support mutually beneficial academic activities and collaborate on common projects in order to bring regional cooperation closer to its potential.