Faculty of Political Science, Lepušićeva 6, Auditorium A
Wednesday, 28 March 2018 from 13:30 to 15:00 hrs
Institute for Development and International Relations, Faculty of Political Science of the University of Zagreb and the British Embassy Zagreb invite you to a panel discussion UK and Southeast Europe: Brexit and Beyond
The United Kingdom is set to leave the European Union on 29 March 2019, one year from now. In July this year, London is hosting the Western Balkans-EU Summit, the fifth annual summit that began in Berlin in 2014 and is aimed at supporting Western Balkan countries towards EU membership. Paradoxical? Or an expected outcome regardless of the UK’s exit from the EU?
Croatia, the newest member of the EU, reiterates its own commitment to the EU enlargement in the Western Balkans. As a neighbouring country, Croatia’s ability to influence the enlargement process is significant.
Enlargement of the EU into the Western Balkans is a strategic interest of the EU, a goal supported by Croatia and the UK. A recently published enlargement strategy spells out challenges that lie ahead in realising this goal.
How will post-Brexit UK foreign policy towards the Western Balkans and the broader region of Southeast Europe look? Which changes, if any, are going to occur in the UK-EU relationship towards this region? How will Croatia position itself in the dynamic environment of the EU and its neighbourhood? Are Western Balkan countries advancing towards membership? These and other related questions will be addressed at the panel.
13:30 – 15:00
Speakers:
Fiona Mcilwham, Head of Western Balkans and Enlargement Department at Europe Directorate, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, United Kingdom
Matija Očuršćak, Head of Department for Southeast Europe and EU Enlargement, Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs, Republic of Croatia
Daniel Mondekar, independent EU affairs consultant and external member of Croatian Parliament’s European Affairs Committee
Moderator: Senada Šelo Šabić, Senior Research Associate, IRMO
We plan an open and informal debate with the audience. Please feel invited to ask questions.
15:00 – 15:30 Refreshments and cakes
Please note that the working language of this event is English.
