16/04/2026
Brussel, 16 April 2026: The Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS) and the European Peacebuilding Liaison Office (EPLO) hosted a policy roundtable in Brussels called “Operational Integration as the Missing Middle of Enlargement.” As part of the GAINS IGNITA initiative supported by the Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans, the event brought together experts from the Western Balkans, EU think-tank community, and EU institutions to discuss how practical cooperation could help the region become more integrated into the EU’s security and rule-of-law systems.
The event was opened by Sonya Reines-Djivanides, Executive Director of EPLO, and Mentor Vrajolli, Executive Director of KCSS. The panel featured Enrica Chiozza, Deputy Head of Unit for Western Balkans Regional Strategy & Investments at DG ENEST, Dr. Bojana Zorić, Policy Analyst at the European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS) and Dr. Ramadan Ilazi, Head of Research at KCSS, while the discussion was facilitated by Dearbhaile O’Callaghan, Senior Policy Officer at EPLO.
The group discussed operational integration as a way to support enlargement. It is not meant to be an alternative to the EU enlargement process, or to circumvent the merit-based approach. Instead, it offers a practical way for the Western Balkans to connect with the EU’s daily operations before becoming full members. This approach is focused on specific sectors, is technical, mutual, and based on merit. It aims to help the WB6 take part in the EU’s daily work and prepare them for membership responsibilities.
Participants generally supported the sector-based approach to European integration. They agreed that, given today’s geopolitical and security challenges, gradual integration is one of the most realistic options. Many risks, such as cyber incidents, hostile investments, organized crime, corruption, and disinformation, already cross borders and link the Western Balkans to the EU’s vulnerabilities. Several participants pointed out that simply aligning laws is not enough to build habits, trust, or effective coordination during crises.
Cybersecurity stood out as a key area for advancing operational integration. The group agreed that deeper cooperation in this domain makes sense because the risks are shared, the need is clear, and both sides benefit. Participants suggested moving from occasional contacts to more structured cooperation, such as setting up working arrangements, appointing contact points, sharing technical knowledge, offering training, and joining joint exercises. They also discussed using observer roles where possible under the law.
The roundtable also looked at other areas for cooperation beyond cybersecurity. These included screening foreign direct investment, monitoring the rule of law, working with justice bodies like FDI screening mechanisms, the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO), the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), Eurojust and EPPO, managing migration, and addressing foreign information manipulation. The main message was clear: the Western Balkans should be seen as partners who can already help strengthen Europe’s security if given the right opportunities.
A key theme was that real progress still depends on basic reforms. While working together in technical areas can bring immediate benefits, lasting progress needs credible changes, especially in governance, rule of law, and how institutions perform. Operational integration is not a shortcut, but a way to make enlargement more concrete, credible, and helpful for both citizens and public administrations.
The roundtable ended with general agreement that operational integration is a practical step forward. It helps turn political promises into real routines, connections, and partnerships that benefit both the Western Balkans and the EU. For the region, it means more experience with EU standards. For the EU, it means stronger resilience and more capable partners in a closely connected neighborhood.
