In a significant diplomatic event, Dr. Majlinda Bregu, the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), visited on November 9, 2023, the International University of Sarajevo (IUS) as part of the Shuttle Diplomacy Talks organized by the IUS Balkan Studies Centre.
The RCC delegation, led by Dr. Bregu, was warmly welcomed by Dr. Kanita Karađuzović-Hadžiabdić, the IUS Vice-Rector for International Cooperation and Research, Dr. Hamza Preljević, Director of the Balkan Studies Centre, Mr. Mirza Rastoder, CEO of Homework Hub and co-organizer of the visit, and Mrs. Velida Handžić-Mirica, Director of the IUS Communications Office.
The focal point of Dr. Bregu’s lecture was "The Delayed EU Integration and Prospects for the Future," a topic of significant relevance for the Western Balkan countries. Addressing the hurdles to EU enlargement, she highlighted the complexities arising from issues such as the migration crisis and the ongoing conflict in Palestine. The challenging task of reaching unanimous decisions among the 27 EU member states further compounds the difficulties in the enlargement process.
Dr. Bregu recommendation to the enlargement challenges is to maximize the benefits of the Growth Plan currently under discussion within the EU. By doing so, she argued, the Western Balkan countries could usher in a new perspective for the future, creating improved conditions and standards. Dr. Bregu stressed the importance of investing in joint projects relating to the green agenda and digital transformation, aligning with EU standards within individual countries. This strategic approach, she believes, will pave the way for regional progress.
In her concluding remarks, Dr. Bregu highlighted the generational task ahead for the students—building bridges of cooperation and adopting EU standards and principles. Encouraging the students to take on this responsibility, she emphasized the crucial role they play in shaping the future of their countries and the region.
The lecture concluded with an engaging Q&A session where students posed thought-provoking questions, and Dr. Bregu provided insightful answers, deepening the understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the context of EU integration.
