The 11th edition of the Tirana Connectivity Forum (TCF2025) takes place in a period shaped by a multi-polar world, geo-political instability and a newly revived transactional approach in the West. This context has prompted the EU and its Member States to radically increase their engagement in continent’s competitiveness, security and defence.
Meanwhile, Montenegro and Albania have stepped up their commitment to reform and to close technical negotiations, respectively in 2026 and 2027. South East Europe 6 (SEE6) contribution in Europe’s Connectivity, Competitiveness and Defence has emerged as an enlargement/integration rationale.
In the region, speedier alignment with the EU acquis – supported by the implementation of the Growth Plan (GP) and of the regional cooperation – is locking in recent achievements all by reinforcing region’s aspirations to EU membership. Grounding its reform agenda in its EU membership target, Western Balkans countries are strengthening their agency as contributing partners to a more secure and competitive Europe.
On its side, the EU and its member states are engaged in preparing the new Union policy cycle and the corresponding Multi-Annual Financial Framework 2028-2034. With a hot conflict on its doorstep and facing trade frictions, the Union is striving for greater strategic autonomy and higher competitiveness.
By bringing together decision-makers, industry leaders, civil society, and professionals, TCF2025 will focus on navigating the complexities of the EU’s upcoming enlargement in the SEE6 in this volatile environment.
TCF2025 will address the following key topics:
During the first day, high-level political leaders, policy-makers and media personalities will present and discuss the strategic, institutional, geopolitical and communication aspects of EU enlargement and its implications for the region and for the EU.
In a specific session entitled “Communicating on 2030 Enlargement”, TCF2025 will tackle one of enlargement’s most pressing challenges: communication and public perception. Narratives, stereotypes, challenges, and expected benefits of an EU enlargement from 2030 will be presented, discussed, debated and embedded into actionable strategies through expert insights and audience engagement.
The second day of TCF2025 will focus on policy planning and implementation through two dedicated roundtables, where high EU officials, member state executives, SEE6 policy-makers, experts and practitioners will share their take on EU relevant instruments and on Regional Cooperation.
The Forum will also include two side events: the launch of the “Connected for Cohesion” initiative on 15th of September, and the High-Level Seminar on “Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Experience in the context of the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the Reform and Growth Facility” on 18th of September.
Participation in the Forum and its side events is by invitation only.
