BCSP and ECFR at Munich Security Conference 2026 | Side Event

The Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (BCSP) and the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) are co-hosting a side event "Whispering Giants: The Western Balkans’ Democracy Crisis as a Test for Europe," at this year’s Munich Security Conference on 13 February.

EU enlargement is regaining momentum. European officials recognise that today’s geopolitical context demands strengthening Europe, enhancing its resilience to foreign influences, and preserving its fundamental values. While some countries that have long been on the verge of EU membership are now demonstrating institutional readiness and political maturity to join, others are falling into a spiral of authoritarian practices.
Across the Western Balkans and the EU’s wider neighbourhood, democracy is under pressure. The region’s deepening political and institutional crisis, marked by state capture, repression, and civic unrest, epitomises the growing phenomenon of hybrid authoritarianism. This closed-door dinner discussion, featuring a special address by Benjamin Haddad, French Minister Delegate for Europe, will examine the Western Balkans as a test case for Europe’s ability to defend democracy and societal resilience in the region, as well as its own geopolitical interest.
Image source: Munich Security Conference

Tags: EU enlargement, European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), MSC 2026, Munich Security Conference 2026, side event, Western Balkans’ Democracy Crisis

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TOPICS: EU, Foreign Policy, In Focus, MSC 2026

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