Dayton and Its Legacy: Europe's Peace Order in the Western Balkans

More than three decades after the Dayton Peace Agreement, the post-war order in the Western Balkans is facing mounting pressure. Political tensions, external geopolitical influence and stalled reforms are raising fundamental questions about the long-term sustainability of the peace framework established in Dayton.

What has the Dayton Agreement achieved, and where are its limitations? What does the future hold for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider Western Balkans? And what responsibility do the European Union and German European policy have in safeguarding peace, democracy and stability in the region?

The evening will feature a keynote address by Christian Schmidt, who served as High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina until June 2026. He will then join Ambassador Damir Arnaut and Dr. Niels von Redecker from the German Federal Foreign Office for a panel discussion on current political challenges and the region's European future.

The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Dženeta Karabegović from the University of Salzburg. Representatives of embassies from the region will contribute additional perspectives to the exchange with the audience.

The event will open with welcoming remarks by Barbara Gessler, Head of the European Commission Representation in Germany.

Taking place as part of Berlin Freedom Week 2026, the event offers an opportunity to reflect on the future of Europe's peace order and the European Union's responsibility towards the Western Balkans.

Organised by the European Academy Berlin and the GSI Gustav Stresemann Foundation at the European House in Berlin.

Format: Panel discussion with keynote speech and reception

Admission: From 18:00

Language: German with simultaneous interpretation into English

Location:
European House
Unter den Linden 78
10117 Berlin