02 May, 2024
On 8 April, ALDE Party co-hosted the third edition of the annual “EU Meets the Balkans” forum, bringing together members of civil society to discuss regional cooperation and EU integration.
The event in Sofia, Bulgaria, is held annually in response to the increasingly complex geo-political environment, dominated by Russia’s war of aggression on European soil, which enhances the importance of deeper cooperation between the EU and the Balkan region.
“The third edition of the EU Meets The Balkans Forum was a tremendous success and exceeded expectations, highlighting the importance of promoting regional cooperation and advancing the European integration process,” said ALDE Party Co-President Ilhan Kyuchyuk MEP.
“For the third year in a row, the Forum has not only confirmed the unwavering commitment to shared prosperity, but has also given impetus for more engagement and cooperation, in the name of a better future for the entire European continent.
📢 The EU Meets Balkans Forum, organised by ELF, @ALDEParty & Atlantic Club for Bulgaria, is happening now in Sofia 🇧🇬. Full room, high-level speakers, including Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement @OliverVarhelyi, Bulgarian foreign minister @GabrielMariya, ALDE Party… pic.twitter.com/kEp1XAOYFR
— European Liberal Forum (@EurLiberalForum) April 8, 2024
“The event, which brought together dignitaries, politicians and visionaries from the EU and the Balkans, became a testament to the power of dialogue and partnership in overcoming challenges.”
Speakers included European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi, Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel, and former High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini.
