DCU Contributes to Ireland’s Western Balkans Strategy

The event was organised by Dr Gëzim Visoka, Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Dublin City University and a member of the DCU Conflict Institute. Dr Visoka emphasised the importance of inclusive dialogue as Ireland expands its diplomatic presence in the region, noting that meaningful engagement with all relevant stakeholders is essential for fostering sustainable and effective partnerships.

The workshop focused on issues of peace, security, and democracy, and examined Ireland’s potential areas of strategic engagement in the region, including economic, political, diplomatic, and multilateral cooperation.

Participants included Mr John Callaghan, Director of Enlargement for Southeast and Central Europe at the Department of Foreign Affairs’ EU Division, and Ms Sarah Greene, Desk Officer for EU Enlargement and Southeast Europe, as well as Co-Director of DCU Conflict Institute, Dr Walt Kilroy and Dr Ken McDonagh.

The civil society delegation from the Western Balkans comprised: Dr Adelina Hasani, researcher at the Kosovar Center for Security Studies; Mr Besart Lumi, Western Balkans programme advisor for PeaceNexus; Mr Nemanja Nestorović, deputy director of NGO Community Building Mitrovica; Dr Ramadan Ilazi, head of research at the Kosovar Center for Security Studies; Ms Sofija Todorović, director of the Youth Initiative for Human Rights – Belgrade Office; and Ms Velma Šarić, founder and president of the Post-Conflict Research Center, Bosnia and Herzegovina.