By College of International and Security Studies
George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies

GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany (March 4, 2021) — The area studies program at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies held a virtual outreach seminar “The EU and Southeast Europe: The 2021 Agenda” March 2.

With 15 faculty, alumni, and other experts in attendance, Chair of the Marshall Center’s Strategic Initiatives Department Dr. Valbona Zeneli opened the seminar with remarks featuring COVID-19 assistance.  

Director of the European Policy Institute in Sofia, Bulgaria Dr. Dimitar Bechev provided insights on Bulgaria-North Macedonia relations and enlargement.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia Special Envoy Ambassador Iztok Mirošič provided additional insights on the place of the region within Slovenia’s upcoming EU Presidency.

The seminar continued with interactive comments and discussion with senior Marshall Center alumni, as well as other experts from Albania, Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania and Serbia.  

“The purpose of this event was to take stock of the European Union’s initiatives toward the region in 2020 and assess challenges and opportunities for tangible achievements the remainder of this year,” said Dr. Matthew Rhodes, Marshall Center Area Studies chair and event moderator.  

According to Rhodes, participants emphasized practical ways to bring fresh energy to EU engagement in the region, including within broader transatlantic context.

“The focused small-group format allowed an active exchange of perspectives among this highly experienced group,” Rhodes said.

Findings of the event will form the basis for a forthcoming Marshall Center Perspectives paper.