Past Event
Covid-19 and the geopolitics of the Balkans
How have China, Russia, Turkey and others stepped up their activities in the Balkans at a time when the prospect of enlargement is diminished?
livestream and q&a
The broad issue is how China, Russia, Turkey and others have stepped up their activities in the Balkans at a time when the enlargement perspective is sinking below the horizon, despite repeated promises that all Balkan countries will become EU members. In realpolitik terms, outside powers are trying to fill a vacuum which is largely of our own making. Areas concerned include public health (vaccine diplomacy), investment, infrastructure, (BRI), energy, and defence. The situation would look very different if the EU had extended its vaccine, employment and recovery initiatives to the 17.5 million people of the region.
Schedule
16:30-17:00
Conversation
Chair: Michael Leigh, Senior Fellow
Pierre Mirel, Honorary Director General, European Commission
Justyna Szczudlik, Head of Asia-Pacific Programme and China analyst, Polish Institute of International Affairs
Aleksandra Tomanić, Executive Director, European Fund for the Balkans
Catherine Wendt, Head of Unit, European Commission, DG NEAR
17:00-17:30
Q&A
Speakers
Michael Leigh
Senior Fellow
Pierre Mirel
Honorary Director General, European Commission
Aleksandra Tomanić
Executive Director, European Fund for the Balkans
Justyna Szczudlik
Head of Asia-Pacific Programme and China analyst, Polish Institute of International Affairs
Catherine Wendt
Head of Unit, European Commission, DG NEAR
Location & Contact
Matilda Sevon
[email protected]
