The Embassy of Kosovo in The Hague, in collaboration with the University of Amsterdam, hosted the conference “EU Enlargement and External Governance: Geopolitical Challenges, Policy Responses, and Legal Approaches” at the Humanity Hub in The Hague, on 17 September 2025.
The discussions focused on the future of EU enlargement, with particular attention to the Western Balkans and the broader geopolitical challenges currently facing Europe. Speakers highlighted both the opportunities and the difficulties of enlargement, while reflecting on how policy responses and legal approaches can shape Europe’s future.
H.E. Dr. Dren Doli, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the Netherlands, welcomed the audience and introduced an impressive group of speakers who shared their insights and expertise, to set the stage for a productive exchange of ideas.
Among the speakers: Saïd Fazili, Director for European Integration at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Marie-Charlotte van Lamsweerde, Political Administrator at the Directorate-General for General and Institutional Policy of the Council of the European Union, Maarten Lemstra, Press & Strategic Communication Officer at the Directorate General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood of the European Commission, Wouter Zweers, Research Fellow at EU & Global Affairs Unit of the Clingendael Institute, Hylke Dijkstra, Professor of International Security and Cooperation at Maastricht University, Marijana Petrovic, Policy Analyst at the South East Europe Division of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, László Marácz, Assistant Professor at East European Studies department of the Faculty of Humanities.
The conference was moderated by Dr. Zamira Xhaferri, University Lecturer in EU Law, and Jean Monnet Coordinator on Enlargement and External Relations of the EU at the University of Amsterdam.
During the discussion, experts tackled some of the most pressing questions around the European Union’s enlargement. The discussion began with the intergovernmental progress of enlargement and the EU budget — two key factors that set the stage for a lively and fruitful debate.
Speakers also reflected on how the wider public views EU enlargement, underlining the importance of understanding the process not only from a political but also from a societal perspective. The guest speakers also shared valuable insights into the geopolitical role of the Western Balkans and examined the relationships among the WB6 countries, shedding light on the future prospects of the region’s EU integration.
By bringing together these perspectives, the conference offered an engaging look at the challenges and opportunities surrounding EU enlargement, especially in relation to the Western Balkans.
The event was joined by a large group of distinguished Ambassadors, diplomats, representatives of Dutch Ministries and international organisations based in The Netherlands, as well as many passionate students and young professionals working in the field.
The day ended with a networking reception where participants savored the exquisite flavors of traditional Kosovar cuisine and beverages. This was a great opportunity to continue discussions and experience Kosovo’s renowned hospitality.
