Think Europe, in partnership with the Representation of the European Commission in Ljubljana, organized an event for ambassadors in Slovenia and representatives from academia and business, focused on convergence, competitiveness, enlargement, and the future of Europe.
Commissioner Marta Kos delivered the opening address, stressing that EU enlargement is no longer simply a political choice but a geopolitical necessity, one that allows the Union to protect its space, values, and people. She also noted that enlargement is not only a geostrategic project but a development opportunity for Europe, since the convergence of candidate countries strengthens the competitiveness of the Union as a whole, while enlargement policy also helps the EU assert its role in a world of new realities.
A panel discussion followed, featuring Igor Mally, Andreja Jaklič, and Tine Kračun, moderated by Think Europe director Sabina Lange. Participants offered a range of perspectives on operating in a changed world, on what exactly has changed, on how to preserve what is worth nurturing, and on who most needs to be introduced to this new reality.
