EUEC 2026: Panel II: Bilateral disputes: when and how to resolve them?

Описание: 13 February 2026 in Tallinn

Featuring:
Brigid Laffan, Professor Emerita, European University Institute
Nikola Dimitrov, President, Balkan Center for Constructive Policies
Aivo Orav, Head of the EU Office in Kosovo and EU Special Representative in Kosovo
Moderator: Steven Blockmans, European Union Enlargement Conference Director, ICDS

Which types of bilateral disputes belong within and outside the accession negotiations? Who decides, how and when? What are the strengths and weaknesses of EU facilitation and/or external mediation and arbitration?

In the most recent EU enlargement package, more progress has been reported than for many years. It is significant that the European Commission has acknowledged the aspirations of four ‘key enlargement partners’ for completing accession negotiations: Montenegro in 2026, Albania in 2027, Moldova and Ukraine in 2028. For that to happen, the pace of reforms would have to be kept up or even accelerated. Some of these candidate countries have crucial statehood issues to resolve beyond the processing of chapters and clusters. Other candidates are being realistic in not setting target dates at this stage, given various political impasses. On the side of the EU, ways are needed to prepare policies and governance structures for enlargement and to overcome dysfunctional impediments to accession, like veto blockages for the opening of chapters for reasons unconnected to the EU acquis. Also, hearts and minds need to be won in member states to support the ratification of the upcoming Accession Treaties. These and other issues, like a potential drive towards a new round of northern enlargement, will be discussed at the 2026 edition of the EU Enlargement Conference in Tallinn.

https://icds.ee/en/euec-2026/