Against the backdrop of the myriad global challenges, discussing the most successful peace project in history never seemed to be more fitting. And yet the benefits of the European Union go far beyond guaranteeing and preserving peace in Europe. With one of the most outward-focused economies, the EU is the world’s biggest single market, providing the right of free movement within the EU for all its citizens. As such, it is no surprise that so many countries are knocking at the door of accession, expecting the EU to be ready when they are.
Navigating conversation about perspectives on EU enlargement, campaigns, finance, European institutions, current EU affairs and the future of the EU was not a simple task, yet the 3rd Executive Online Seminar on EU Rapprochement and Integration proved to be an inspiring platform for a vibrant, thought-provoking and frank dialogue among my fellow colleagues from Albania, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Türkiye and Ukraine. I am deeply grateful to the coordination team of the Federal Foreign Office’s Training for International Diplomats for the remarkable two-week seminar I had the pleasure to attend.

Coming from a country where full membership of the European Union is the primary strategic foreign policy goal and where almost 85% of citizens support Montenegro’s EU integration, I found this seminar enriching and well-rounded, particularly in regard to its insightful reflections on the importance of the accession process, which, at times, can be oscillating, yet rewarding if manoeuvred properly. Building on engaging exchanges with numerous experts and high-level officials throughout the seminar, it is fair to say that all the acceding countries have to step up their reform efforts and overcome a number of challenges ahead, grounded in strong political will and efficient institutional backing. The statement of the EU Commission that „the Western Balkans, Türkiye, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia have a historic window of opportunity to strongly bind their future to the European Union“ is a strong encouragement to use this newfound momentum to accelerate the accession process.

Convinced of the significance of dialogue as a foundation for better mutual understanding and overcoming differences and disputes, I was eager to delve into seminar sessions on the power of mediation, language and voice. It is fascinating how impactful words can be, but equally so the vocal tone, facial expressions and body language. In addition, active listening, good observation and the ability to understand different views, needs and interests are deemed to be necessary skills for a diplomat. These skills enable effective and successful dialogue, as a prerequisite for navigating the negotiation process. Likewise, personal qualities of diplomats, their curiosity, openness, emphatic approach, charisma and humour, as well as their credibility and knowledge, should not be overlooked.

While one might say that an online format is rather monotonous and colourless, our seminar was quite the opposite. With its friendly and encouraging atmosphere, facilitated by our amazing hosts, it allowed us to get to know each other and to be vocal about our ideas. We may not have visited European institutions, but that did not prevent us from feeling the spirit of the European Union through the valuable contributions from the distinguished speakers, one of which included an extraordinary vocal performance of the European anthem. Intrigued by the video that briefly introduced us to the premises of the German parliament and opened the doors of the library of the Bundestag, I eagerly anticipate the next opportunity to take part in one of the activities of the Federal Foreign Office’s Training for International Diplomats that will bring us together, hopefully, in Berlin.

Nikolina Kojović