For me, limited by basic knowledge and coming from a different professional policy sphere, EU integration seemed like a complex process vested with many challenges. Participation in the 5th Executive Online Seminar on EU Rapprochement and Integration changed my perception of EU integration, as it equipped me and other participants with the knowledge and necessary skills needed for engagement in the complex and often lengthy EU accession process.

It is important to highlight the quality of the lecturers and speakers who led the seminar. These were experts who played active roles in the EU integration process - EU officials, negotiators, and advisors, bringing with them first-hand experience of the practical challenges and intricacies of EU enlargement. The seminar also provided insights into the German perspective on EU integration and the country’s important role in the enlargement of the European Union, both politically and diplomatically.

The negotiation exercise was an exciting experience for me. In this exercise, we had to negotiate in two teams over an imaginary country that wanted to deepen its relationship with the European Union. The first team represented the European Union, while the second represented the country that wanted a new relationship. At the end of the exercise, it became clear whether both teams had accomplished their objectives and whether a potential agreement between the two parties would be signed. This exercise generated fruitful interaction between the participants and helped build trust with one another. This facilitates the transfer of knowledge and strengthens diplomatic ties, which could be beneficial in future negotiations as diplomats.

The seminar attendees had the opportunity to participate in the workshop while staying in their home countries. The virtual format helped overcome logistical barriers and provided an interactive and dynamic learning experience, including discussions with experts and digital networking opportunities. The facilitators followed the networking process and provided the opportunity to socialise in breakout sessions or through social media groups and to obtain all the necessary information.

I would like to thank the Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Diplomacy by Networking division and the coordinators Andrea Christ, Dr Anna Prinz and Katharina Lobermeyer for giving me the opportunity to gain a deep, nuanced understanding of the political, legal and economic considerations driving the European Union’s enlargement strategy.

Milan Stanković