The Executive Seminar on EU Rapprochement and Integration (EU) offers an intensive three-week programme. Participants from the countries of the Western Balkans and other nations with EU accession prospects (Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Georgia and Turkey) are invited. The different backgrounds of the participating diplomats provide plenty of opportunity for exchange and learning. The programme fosters dialogue between the countries and with Germany.

One central topic of the course is security policy. Additionally, the participants investigate relevant issues such as civil society, conflict resolution, post-conflict peacebuilding and freedom of the press, with the spotlight clearly on the EU accession process.

An essential component of this course is the opportunity to engage in dialogue with important EU and NATO stakeholders. Participants have the chance to meet EU officials, parliamentarians and representatives of think tanks and civil society organisations. They can also obtain insights into countries that have already completed the EU accession process, such as Poland and the Czech Republic. Challenges and lessons from the experiences of these countries along the path towards EU membership are shared, offering valuable perspectives for those who are still on this journey.

Participants broaden their understanding of the EU integration process and acquire a deeper insight into the perspectives of the various countries involved in the accession process. They benefit particularly from the chance to forge networks with one another.