InCLUDE ep. 2 - The Theory of Change: Have Good Neighbourly Relations! Can Candidate Countries for EU Membership Deliver on This Commandment?
InCLUDE is a podcast by the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), supported by the Open Society Foundations Western Balkans. The series explores how to advance the integration of Western Balkan countries into the European Union, bringing together experts, policymakers, and civil society voices to discuss the political, economic, and strategic dimensions of EU enlargement. The podcast is created by Matteo Bonomi and Dušan Reljić, hosted by Dušan Reljić, with editing and graphics by Lorenzo Ascione.
In this second episode, Dušan Reljić is joined by Milica Kovačević, Programme Director at the Centre for Democratic Transition in Montenegro, and Nikola Dimitrov, former Foreign Minister of North Macedonia and chief negotiator of the Prespa Agreement. Together, they explore the role of good neighbourly relations in the EU enlargement process and ask whether the Western Balkans can overcome the disputes that continue to shape regional politics. From border demarcation and identity controversies to the political incentives that keep conflicts alive, the conversation examines why bilateral disputes remain a major challenge for accession. Drawing on both research and first-hand diplomatic experience, the guests discuss what it takes to build trust, reach difficult compromises, and create the conditions for a more stable and integrated European future.