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InCLUDE is a podcast by the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), supported by the Open Society Foundations Western Balkans. The series explores how to advance the integration of Western Balkan countries...
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InCLUDE is a podcast by the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), supported by the Open Society Foundations Western Balkans. The series explores how to advance the integration of Western Balkan countries into the European Union, bringing together experts, policymakers, and civil society voices to discuss the political, economic, and strategic dimensions of EU enlargement. The podcast is created by Matteo Bonomi and Dušan Reljić, hosted by Dušan Reljić, with editing and graphics by Lorenzo Ascione.
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Episodes & Posts
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3 NOV 2026 · InCLUDE is a podcast by the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), supported by the Open Society Foundations Western Balkans. The series explores how to advance the integration of Western Balkan countries into the European Union, bringing together experts, policymakers, and civil society voices to discuss the political, economic, and strategic dimensions of EU enlargement. The podcast is created by Matteo Bonomi and Dušan Reljić, hosted by Dušan Reljić, with editing and graphics by Lorenzo Ascione.
In this fourth episode, Dušan Reljić is joined by Matteo Bonomi, Head of the Europe Programme at the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), and Stefan Ristovski, researcher at the European Policy Institute (EPI) in Skopje, to explore whether the European Union is finally ready to open its doors to new members or whether the Western Balkans risk remaining trapped in a Kafkaesque waiting room. With Montenegro approaching the final stages of accession negotiations, the discussion examines the political challenges facing enlargement, shifting dynamics within EU member states, and the urgent need to restore credibility to the accession process. The conversation also turns to the EU’s next long-term budget (2028–2034), exploring the proposed restructuring of pre-accession assistance, uncertainties over future funding, and the financial resources needed to support economic convergence in the Western Balkans. Ultimately, the episode asks whether the EU can translate renewed political momentum into actual membership while ensuring that Montenegro’s potential accession opens the door to the rest of the region rather than marking the beginning of another long wait.
Transcribed
1 JUL 2026 · InCLUDE is a podcast by the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), supported by the Open Society Foundations Western Balkans. The series explores how to advance the integration of Western Balkan countries into the European Union, bringing together experts, policymakers, and civil society voices to discuss the political, economic, and strategic dimensions of EU enlargement. The podcast is created by Matteo Bonomi and Dušan Reljić, hosted by Dušan Reljić, with editing and graphics by Lorenzo Ascione.
In this third episode, Dušan Reljić is joined by journalist and political commentator Lily Lynch to discuss how the return of Donald Trump to the White House could reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Western Balkans and affect the region’s path towards European Union membership.Together, they examine whether the current US administration remains a stabilising force in the region or has instead become a source of growing uncertainty. From shifting American priorities and controversial investment projects linked to Trump-affiliated figures, to Washington’s changing approach to Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the conversation explores how US engagement in the region is evolving. The episode also looks at Turkey’s increasingly prominent role in the Western Balkans, particularly in the fields of security, energy, and regional diplomacy. Drawing on regional developments and broader geopolitical trends, the discussion reflects on the future of democracy, rule of law, and EU enlargement in a region shaped by rising strategic competition.
Transcribed
3 JUN 2026 · InCLUDE is a podcast by the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), supported by the Open Society Foundations Western Balkans. The series explores how to advance the integration of Western Balkan countries into the European Union, bringing together experts, policymakers, and civil society voices to discuss the political, economic, and strategic dimensions of EU enlargement. The podcast is created by Matteo Bonomi and Dušan Reljić, hosted by Dušan Reljić, with editing and graphics by Lorenzo Ascione.
In this second episode, Dušan Reljić is joined by Milica Kovačević, Programme Director at the Centre for Democratic Transition in Montenegro, and Nikola Dimitrov, former Foreign Minister of North Macedonia and chief negotiator of the Prespa Agreement. Together, they explore the role of good neighbourly relations in the EU enlargement process and ask whether the Western Balkans can overcome the disputes that continue to shape regional politics. From border demarcation and identity controversies to the political incentives that keep conflicts alive, the conversation examines why bilateral disputes remain a major challenge for accession. Drawing on both research and first-hand diplomatic experience, the guests discuss what it takes to build trust, reach difficult compromises, and create the conditions for a more stable and integrated European future.
10 APR 2026 · In this opening episode, Dušan Reljić speaks with Lura Limani, team leader in the Open Society Foundations Western Balkans, and Matteo Bonomi, Senior Fellow at IAI, about what it will take to move EU enlargement forward. The discussion focuses on the “theory of change” behind accession, highlighting the need for strong political will within the EU and credible reforms in the Western Balkans. The episode examines current challenges, from geopolitical pressures to internal EU debates, and outlines practical steps to make enlargement a realistic and achievable goal.
InCLUDE is a podcast by the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), supported by the Open Society Foundations Western Balkans. The series explores how to advance the integration of Western Balkan countries...
show more
InCLUDE is a podcast by the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), supported by the Open Society Foundations Western Balkans. The series explores how to advance the integration of Western Balkan countries into the European Union, bringing together experts, policymakers, and civil society voices to discuss the political, economic, and strategic dimensions of EU enlargement. The podcast is created by Matteo Bonomi and Dušan Reljić, hosted by Dušan Reljić, with editing and graphics by Lorenzo Ascione.
show less
Information
| Author | Istituto Affari Internazionali |
| Organization | Istituto Affari Internazionali |
| Categories | Social Sciences , News Commentary , Politics |
| Website | - |
| salastampa@iai.it |
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