The topic of the event will encompass Karcic’s research on the genocide in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the presence of far-right symbols, and the nationalism/extremism in the Southeastern European region, with a particular focus on its implications for the European Union (EU). This discussion will delve into the complex dynamics shaping the region and the EU, shedding light on the historical context of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian genocide, the resurgence of right-wing extremism, and the overall political situation. Moreover, the event will explore how these factors affect the broader European landscape, emphasizing the EU's role and its interests in Southeastern Europe, but also the upcoming 2024 EU Parliament elections. 

Direktorin vom International Institute for Peace, Stephanie Fenkart, analysiert im Interview mit Anchorwoman Bianca Ambros den heutigen Migrationsgipfel.

Unsere Direktorin, Stephanie Fenkart, sprach mit Wolf-Christian Ulrich, Korrespondent im ZDF-Studio Wien, über die aktuelle Situation im Kosovo.

Direktorin des IIP (International Institute for Peace), Stephanie Fenkart spricht im Interview mit Anchorwoman Sabine Loho über die aktuelle Lage in Kosovo.

Kosovo’s independence marked the last step of the Yugoslav disintegration, so one can say. In 2008, 9 years after the Kosovo war had ended, Kosovo declared its independence. Since this moment on, the young state has been recognized by over 100 UN member states but still lacks full recognition and membership to several international organizations. On the one hand, five EU members (Spain, Slovakia, Cyprus, Greece, and Romania) and two members of the UN Security Council (China and Russia) do not recognize Kosovo, which disrupts Kosovo to become member of those organizations. On the other hand, tensions between Kosovo and Serbia occur every two, three months and contribute to the overall tensions in the region. After many channels of communication and dialog failed, a new “Franco-German” proposal is now on the table. It includes the creation of the Community of Serbian Municipalities in Kosovo, Serbia not blocking the membership of Kosovo to international organizations, recognition of each sides’ travel documents, symbols and diplomas, establishing permanent missions in each respective capital and more. How has Kosovo developed since its independence? How has the relationship with Serbia affected those previous 15 years? Would Prime Minister Kurti and President Vučić sign such an agreement and if yes, how would it affect both countries? What is the role of the EU in the Franco-German proposal? Those and many more questions will be tackled by our speakers!

Adnan Cerimagic, Senior Analyst at ESI and Expert on the Western Balkans, and Samir Beharic, Youth Activist and Research Officer at The Balkan Forum, Bosnia and Herzegovina, will discuss more broadly the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and how the upcoming general elections will shape the future of the country. Internal issues, international and regional pressure, rising nationalism and the war in Ukraine all play a crucial role in shaping the already dire atmosphere just before the elections on October 2nd. How will the election impact Bosnia & Herzegovina’s journey towards the EU membership? How will the internal issues be solved, for example through a new elections law? What role should the international community assume in Bosnia? These and many more questions will be tackled by our speaker in this talk.

The European Commission confirmed in 2018 that Kosovo had fulfilled all its visa liberalization requirements for its citizens to travel freely across the Schengen Area. Four years later, the country has yet to be granted visa-free travel. To highlight the specific challenges that this overly politicized process poses for many ordinary citizens of Kosovo, this event will combine an expert public discussion with a presentation of a short film titled "The right of movement of Kosovar students."

In May 2022 the IIP visited the Srebrenica Memorial Center and established a successful cooperation with the Memorial Center. Sever interviews were conducted with members of the Memorial Center, who talked about their work at the center and their personal stories which are connected to the genocide which happened in July 1995.

How will the future of Kosovo look like in the next five to ten years? Will the new government find a way to stimulate the economy and to bring Kosovo onto the path of a prosperous democracy, where its citizens do not feel the urge to leave the country in search for better perspectives? What should the European Union do to support Kosovo? What role could Austria have and how should Kosovo deal with other external actors in the region like Russia, Turkey or China?

In May 2022 the IIP visited the Srebrenica Memorial Center and established a successful cooperation with the Memorial Center. Sever interviews were conducted with members of the Memorial Center, who talked about their work at the center and their personal stories which are connected to the genocide which happened in July 1995.