The EU has developed a policy to support the gradual integration of the Western Balkan countries with the Union. In 2013, Croatia became the first of the seven countries to join, and Montenegro, Serbia, the Republic of North Macedonia and Albania are official candidates. Accession negotiations and chapters have been opened with Montenegro and Serbia, while Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo are potential candidate countries.

Similarly to the already EU member Central and Eastern European states, the countries of the Western Balkans face constitutional and identity challenges. Expert opinions emphasize the issues of judicial independence and access to justice, corruption, war crimes prosecution, media freedom, protection of human rights and minority rights. The roundtable conference aims at identifying the common points and differences in the legal environment of the countries concerned, and focuses on the future national legislative tasks.

The event is co-financed by the European Union.

A Hungarian-language roundtable-discussion of Hungarian experts takes place during the morning session, which can be followed live on the Facebook of the Europe Direct Szeged office, without registration: 

During the afternoon session international experts hold English-language lectures without translation. You need to register by e-mail (ed@irsi.u-szeged.hu) if you intend to participate. You will receive the necessary link and password before the event.

The conference is moderated by Dr.Anikó SZALAI, Associate Professor, Deputy Director of the International and Regional Studies Institute, University of Szeged Faculty of Law.

Online conference program is available here.