The panel, moderated by the Rector of the College of Europe Federica Mogherini, was attended by several high-level representatives, including European Commission Vice-President Dubravka Šuica, Members of the European Parliament, foreign ministers of the Western Balkan countries and other guests and students at the College of Europe.

In his speech, State Secretary Dovžan pointed out that Slovenia had made the Western Balkans and the revival of the EU enlargement one of the priorities of its Presidency of the Council of the European Union. According to him, sustainable development, stability and prosperity are key objectives for both the EU and the Western Balkan countries. He pointed out that in the past months, Slovenia had hosted two important events with Western Balkans in the spotlight – first the traditional Bled Strategic Forum in early September and then the EU-Western Balkans Summit on 6 October 2021 in Brdo pri Kranju. The latter was attended by all heads of state and government of the EU member states and the Western Balkans. The summit and the declaration adopted there was proof that the EU attaches great importance to the region. The representatives of the Western Balkans have also successfully joined the debate on the future of Europe.

State Secretary Dovžan stressed that the Western Balkans is part of Europe and surrounded by EU member states. A credible EU enlargement policy is necessary, as it will strengthen the transformation processes in the Western Balkans. It is also of vital importance to send a clear signal to the Western Balkan countries that the EU door will remain open to them if they implement the necessary reforms and remain on the EU path. Inclusive regional cooperation, constructive resolution of the outstanding issues of the past and strengthening good neighbourly relations are important conditions on the path to EU accession. Our common goal was, and must continue to be, a unified Europe that is free and stable, underlined State Secretary Dovžan.