Written by Ilir Kiçmari, Young European Ambassador from Kosovo

On 18 November 2025, I participated in the EU Enlargement Forum at the Charlemagne Building in Brussels – a major gathering dedicated to discussing the future of the European Union’s enlargement policy. The event brought together political leaders, policymakers, analysts, youth representatives, and civil society voices from across Europe.

Setting the tone: Europe at a turning point

The Forum opened with a video message from the President of the European Commission and an introductory speech by the Commissioner for Enlargement. In her published remarks, the Commissioner stressed that today’s global landscape is forcing both the EU and aspiring countries to act with greater urgency, noting that “candidate countries take time to reform, and sometimes our Member States take time to decide – time which today’s world no longer grants us.”

This message shaped the discussions for the rest of the day, emphasizing that enlargement is no longer a distant aspiration, but a strategic necessity.

The panels: A collective look at Europe’s future

The Forum consisted of several panel discussions, each focusing on a different dimension of enlargement.

1. The Geopolitical Imperative

This session explored why enlargement is directly linked to Europe’s security, stability, and resilience. Participants discussed how the global environment has shifted, making it clear that strengthening ties with neighboring regions is a matter of strategic relevance, not only political will.

2. Perspectives from EU Member States

This panel highlighted a transparent reality: Enlargement requires both internal readiness within the EU and credible reform in partner countries. Speakers emphasized topics such as institutional capacity, public trust, and the need for the EU to remain efficient while preparing for a larger union.

3. Citizens and the next generation

This session focused on how enlargement is perceived by society, especially youth. The discussions underscored that younger generations across Europe are more globally minded, innovation-driven, and eager for collaboration. For many, enlargement represents both opportunity and responsibility.

4. “Getting to YES!” – The political decision-making moment

The final panel dealt with the practical and political steps needed to advance enlargement.
Here, the discussion was more direct, reflecting the complexity of aligning national positions, institutional processes, and geopolitical realities.

My contribution at the forum

During the final session, I took the opportunity to raise a point about the importance of inclusive and accurate language in European discussions, particularly in regional contexts where terminology carries political and emotional weight. I also shared reflections from the perspective of someone working in artificial intelligence and innovation, noting that young professionals in our region are deeply engaged in digital transformation, and Europe’s future competitiveness relies on embracing this new generation of innovators. The audience reacted positively, confirming that youth perspectives, especially from fast-developing fields like AI, have an important place in shaping EU policy debates.

Keynote and closing messages

One of the most impactful moments of the Forum was the closing speech by António Costa, President of the European Council. He stated: “In today’s uncertain world, an enlarged European Union means a stronger, safer, and more peaceful Europe, at home and abroad.” His message brought the day to a clear conclusion, that enlargement is not merely an institutional process; it is a strategic commitment to Europe’s future.

What I took away from Brussels

Participating in the EU Enlargement Forum reinforced several beliefs:

• Enlargement is about shared stability and opportunity, not only political negotiations.
• Europe is entering a period where unity and cooperation matter more than ever.
• Young people, including those working with AI, technology, and education, are shaping the next chapter of our continent.
• Constructive dialogue, even when sensitive, is necessary for progress.

The EU Enlargement Forum showed that the concept of enlargement is not simply a technical agenda item; it is a generational project. And contributing to it, even in a small way, is both an honor and a responsibility.