UI hosts international workshop on the Western Balkans

On 10-11 April 2025, UI held the workshop Contemporary Politics in the Western Balkans in Stockholm, Sweden, to encourage intellectual exchange and strengthen research networks relating to the region. The workshop focused on key issues shaping the future of the Western Balkans, including party politics, democratisation, Europeanisation, geopolitical influence, gender, and climate issues.

Professor Paula Pickering, with 25 years of experience working in the region, served as the keynote speaker. The event was opened by Aida Hadžialić, mayor of Metropolitan Stockholm.

The workshop was organised by:

• Nicholas Aylott (Europe Programme, Swedish Institute of International Affairs; Södertörn University)
• Adea Gafuri (Europe Programme, Swedish Institute of International Affairs)
• Johanna Mannergren Selimovic (Centre for Baltic and East European Studies, Södertörn University)