By Teodora Danilović 

“Europe is more than a Union, it is our home” – Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

At a critical juncture for Europe, grappled with geopolitical instability, growing security concerns and democratic backsliding, the first EU Enlargement Forum, held on November 18^th at the European Commission, became much more than another diplomatic meeting – it was a call for a unified, stable and resilient continent.

The forum gathered heads of state from EU Member States and Candidate Countries alike, civil society representatives, and youth activists, ensuring a multidimensional approach to the most important foreign policy instrument of the EU. Comprised of panels and keynote speeches, the forum’s focus revolved around the following themes:

1.The geopolitical imperative for enlargement – hosting Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement, Kaja Kallas, High Representative/Vice President of the European Commission, Andrius Kubilius, Defence Commissioner, Milojko Spajić, Prime Minister of Montenegro, Alexandru Munteanu, Prime Minister of Moldova, and Taras Kachka, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.

2. EU Enlargement from the perspective of EU Member States – gathering diplomats from France, Denmark, Ireland, and Greece.

3. EU Enlargement from the Perspective of Citizens – alongside civil society, SMEs and media representatives, as well as Amila Alidžanović, a fellow YEA and participant of the Youth Policy Dialogue with Commissioner Kos.

4. Getting to “YES!” – providing insights from DG ENEST, MEPs, state representatives and academics

During the panel discussions, speakers shared concrete examples of the transformation toward EU Membership. Representatives from the Western Balkans highlighted reforms in governance, anti-corruption initiatives, and cross-border projects that advance regional cooperation. One young delegate noted, “Enlargement isn’t just about joining the EU. It’s about aligning our societies with shared European values and proving that transformation is possible.” The forum also spotlighted how civil society and youth-led initiatives are creating change at the grassroots level, from democratic engagement projects to community-driven environmental programs.

Between formal sessions, networking sparked collaboration and exchange of ideas. Young participants connected with policymakers and mentors, discussing ways to keep European integration tangible in their communities. As the forum reiterated, enlargement is not a distant goal, but rather an ongoing process with concrete steps and measurable impact.

Throughout the whole event, a core message resonated loud and clear: the EU must now match its rhetoric with action. For those of us who care about European integration, especially in the Western Balkans, the takeaway is simple: stay alert, stay vocal and stay engaged. Because Europe’s future isn’t determined just by leaders,  it is shaped by citizens who believe in it, fight for it and build it day by day.