Renew Europe Western Balkans Forum 2026: Enlargement is a strategic necessity for Europe
The annual Renew Europe Western Balkans Forum 2026 brought together liberals, democrats and experts for a two-day meeting in Brussels to discuss the opportunities and challenges the countries are facing on their path towards EU membership. One message united all discussions: enlargement is a strategic necessity for Europe.
“At a time of geopolitical challenges, all Alliances are being tested, and being part of a larger, stronger political entity matters more than ever. The Western Balkans countries belong in the EU. Candidate countries share the same strategic interests as Member States - stability, security, democracy and prosperity.” , said Renew MEP Ilhan Kyuchuk.
Ilhan KyuchyukRenew Europe MEP, Bulgaria
Renew Europe is strongly committed to enlargement and targeted reforms and regularly brings together liberals, democrats and representatives from partner parties in the Western Balkan countries to talk about enlargement. Key members of Renew Europe welcomed a shared aim of advancing reforms, strengthening democratic resilience, and reinforcing the rule of law within the judicial system and public institutions in each country in the region.
Enlargement should be viewed as a geopolitical priority, but it must go hand in hand with EU reform so that the Union is strong enough to expand further.
“Democratic resilience must be maintained and constantly nurtured through joint efforts by the candidate countries and the EU, with the active involvement of civil society,” said Petras Auštrevičius, Renew MEP and a European Parliament’s Rapporteur on Enlargement: “In light of the political and social processes within the EU and the candidate countries, the first Copenhagen criterion – namely, stable institutions that guarantee democracy, the rule of law and human rights – assumes greater significance as an unconditional commitment and prerequisite for further steps towards EU membership.”
Petras AuštrevičiusRenew Europe MEP, Lithuania, Liberalų Sąjūdis
The participants highlighted the crucial role of civil society, media and institutional reforms in the region, and called for continuous institutional support for democratic actors in the region. Among the case studies, shared best practices, they focused on cooperation and a new vision for the integration process for the next generation of leaders.
A more unified Europe will strengthen the Union’s global influence and reinforce its economic and political power.
"The lessons learned from the past in the region are important, but let’s focus on our common European future and work together. The next generation of leaders is very courageous, and we support their efforts for dialogue, democracy, and reforms. We want to see our future EU members succeed.”, said MEP Helmut Brandstätter, Renew Europe shadow rapporteur on Serbia, in conclusion.
Helmut BrandstätterRenew Europe MEP, Austria, NEOS – Das Neue Österreich
Please find pictures form the event here.