Panel discussion “Enlargement methodology: Exchange of views on the concept of Gradual integration”

On the 12^th of March, Ana Krstinovska, Research Fellow of the South-East Europe Programme at ELIAMEP and Senior Researcher of the initiative think nea – New Narratives of EU Integration, was one of the speakers at the panel discussion “Enlargement methodology: Exchange of views on the concept of Gradual integration” which was organized by the French Embassy and the Institute Jacques Delors, in cooperation with the Ministry of European Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia.

The discussion commenced with opening remarks delivered by H.E. Mr. Christophe Le Rigoleur, Ambassador of France, and Mr. Orhan Murtezani, Minister of European Integration. Apart from Dr. Krstinovska, the panel included Lukas Macek (Head of the Grande Europe Center of the Jacques Delors Institute and Director of the Dijon Campus of Sciences Po) and Dragan Tilev (State Counselor at the Ministry of European Affairs). The discussion was moderated by Zoran Nechev (Head of the Center for EU integration and Senior Researcher at Institute for Democracy – IDSCS).

During the discussion, Dr. Krstinovska emphasized the importance of the gradual accession and inclusion of candidate countries in EU fora, institutional processes, and policy frameworks. She highlighted that such participation would enhance EU member states’ understanding of the Western Balkans (WB) region while fostering the Europeanization of WB officials and civil servants, ultimately strengthening mutual trust. Dr. Krstinovska underscored the need for WB countries to adopt a proactive approach by identifying key areas where accelerated accession would be beneficial and dedicating the necessary capacity to expedite reforms. She noted that these areas should strike a balance between “quick wins”—visible and impactful achievements for citizens, such as joining the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA)—and more complex reforms that drive deeper integration, particularly within the EU single market.