The Bled Strategic Forum (BSF), convened on September 2-3, 2024, in Slovenia once again served as a premier international platform for political dialogue. This year’s theme, "A World of Parallel Realities," delved into the complexities of global challenges, from geopolitical tensions to climate change and economic inequality. The Forum brought together a diverse community of stakeholders, including heads of state, government officials, business leaders, and representatives from international organizations, to explore new approaches for addressing the world’s most pressing issues. The Forum's objective was clear: fostering multilateral cooperation to bridge divides and craft a more resilient global community. For the UNOPS K4R Programme, represented by Jochen Penker, this offered an excellent opportunity for exchange and cooperation with key programme stakeholders present on site, and to participate in technical discussions about the priorities for the Western Balkans EU Accession support delivered by UNOPS.

European Commission President-elect Vision for the Western Balkans

A significant highlight of the 2024 Forum was the keynote speech delivered by Ursula von der Leyen, the newly elected President of the European Commission. She emphasized the strategic importance of EU enlargement, particularly focusing on the Western Balkans' integration into the European Union. Von der Leyen underscored that enlargement is essential not only for the security and stability of Europe but also for reinforcing the EU’s global competitiveness. She cited ongoing accession talks with Albania, North Macedonia, Ukraine, and Moldova as evidence of the EU’s commitment to broadening its horizons. “In the next Commission, enlargement must be a full-time job that requires undivided attention, and that is why I will appoint a dedicated Commissioner for enlargement. Let us write history together,” von der Leyen said. The President-elect also reaffirmed her dedication to accelerating the region's integration through the EU’s Growth Plan, linking reforms in areas such as justice, organized crime, and energy to significant European investments.

High-Level Panel: Perspectives from the Western Balkans

A key session of the Forum featured a high-level panel discussion among the prime ministers of Albania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. Albania’s Prime Minister, Edi Rama, expressed his country’s strong desire to boost the EU accession process, advocating for an accelerated timeline and more inclusive dialogue between Western Balkans countries and the EU. Serbia’s Prime Minister, Miloš Vučević, affirmed the importance of a comprehensive approach that takes into consideration the need to balance national interests with the aspirations of joining the EU, emphasizing Serbia’s commitment to advancing reforms. Both leaders highlighted the significance of the EU enlargement process as a stabilizing factor for the region. Meanwhile, Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon emphasized the importance of continued dialogue across all levels of government. "The meeting was held in a positive atmosphere. We agreed with the representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, North Macedonia, and Serbia to continue the dialogue at all levels and to reconvene at ministerial level within a year," she said. Fajon also reiterated the strategic benefits of a more integrated EU, stating, "A bigger and stronger EU gives us a stronger voice on the global stage".

Looking Ahead: Building Bridges for Future Cooperation

As the Bled Strategic Forum concluded, several action points emerged. The Western Balkans’ path to EU membership remains a central issue, and the political will to accelerate integration was clear. Von der Leyen’s announcement of a dedicated Commissioner for Enlargement and the launch of reform agendas tied to substantial EU investments signaled a renewed focus on supporting the region’s progress. The Forum underscored the need for continued dialogue, reform, and cooperation to ensure that the Western Balkans can fully participate in the European project. The next steps will depend on the region’s ability to implement reforms and the EU’s commitment to bringing them into the fold. Looking ahead, BSF 2025 promises to be another milestone in advancing these objectives.