Dragoș Ioniță
@dragosionita
Researcher of Europeanization and #EUenlargement in the #WesternBalkans; MA in Diplomacy and International Negotiations at #SNSPA Bucharest #Balkan Region enthusiast Publications:
Da vidiš, da znaš, da pamtiš... A nu se uita, a nu se repeta! Never forget, never again! #8372TooMany
A new @eui-eu.bsky.social report explores how the changing nature of the transatlantic relations between the US & the EU affected #Serbia. It also analyses the mechanisms and channels through which these actors exert influence. cadmus.eui.eu/entities/pub...
While macro-level reforms in #BosniaHerzegovina remain blocked, microlevel initiatives, such as those implemented by NGOs, demonstrate the potential of participatory approaches to generate meaningful change. A valuable article in this sense: www.analerise.igri.ro/resurse/revi...
🦩The international academic community stands in solidarity with the citizens of #Albania. Thousands of Albanians are defending the country's wetlands, home to flamingos, sea turtles & migratory birds against a €4 billion luxury resort project. Sign here: docs.google.com/document/d/1...
A new CEP Belgrade public opinion survey: A large number of citizens view the EU primarily as a geopolitical actor rather than a values-based one, and are skeptical about the EU’s intentions towards #Serbia in the enlargement process. More: cep.org.rs/wp-content/u...
Tonight, #Romania will rock the #Eurovision stage! Alexandra Căpitănescu will bring talent, energy and attitude in a fight with her own fears. Music and passion transformed in a 3-minute-long artsy performance that will glue you to the screens. 🎶Hai România!!🎶
“The EU reaffirms its steadfast commitment to further strengthen its relations with #Armenia and to support its sovereignty, resilience, and comprehensive reform agenda.” Yet nothing clear about Armenia's European path. data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document...
#Romania functions as a regulatory and institutional gateway for broader EU-aligned connectivity projects involving #Serbia. In practice, this makes Romanian–Serbian cooperation a de facto bridge between the EU internal market and the #WesternBalkans. newstrategycenter.ro/project/roma...
Here is where things stand today for #Montenegro on its EU accession path: → 14 of 33 chapters provisionally closed → Finalising and approving the accession treaty → Signature and ratification by all 27 EU Member States → Podgorica is aiming for membership by 2028
Dear virtual friends, I wish you that the Holy Easter Holidays bring light to your souls, peace and joy to your homes. Let us rejoice together in Christ's Resurrection! Happy Easter! Paște Fericit! Честит Великден! Καλό Πάσχα! Срећан Ускрс! Среќен Велигден! Щасливого Великодня!
BTI on #Hungary: - Gerrymandering has helped Fidesz candidates to dominate electoral districts. - The election supervisory body is government-influenced. - Government control of public media and campaign restrictions create an unlevel playing field. bti-project.org/en/reports/c...
The people in the #WesternBalkans are happier than one might think. Explanation: data.worldhappiness.report/table?_gl=1*...
The revocation of US sanctions against Milorad Dodik marks a symbolic shift with serious implications for #BosniaHerzegovina. @biepag.bsky.social examines how lobbying efforts, shifting US priorities & global instability may embolden secessionist rhetoric in R. Srpska. www.biepag.eu/blog/the-us-...
"It is not only up to #Kosovo, but also to the EU, to urgently redefine its geopolitical strategy & put their bilateral relationship back on track. Only through a strong political and diplomatic bond, one that acknowledges the volatility of US priorities." legalpoliticalstudies.org/wp-content/u...
Remembrance is not politicization. The IOC should know better and support athletes like Vladyslav Heraskevych, who dedicate their career not only to obtaining good results, but who also use the power of sport to promote peace, tolerance and to develop their communities and nations.
A new @biepag.bsky.social analysis by Jovana Marović & Odeta Barbullushi calls on the EU to turn accession treaties into robust instruments for reform & accountability, rather than pursuing solutions that lead to limited, “lighter,” or second-tier forms of membership. www.biepag.eu/publication/...
A new visual by the European Policy Institute (Skopje) tracks the procedural journey of #Albania, #BosniaHerzegovina, #Kosovo, #Montenegro, #NorthMacedonia, and #Serbia, highlighting exactly which critical milestones have been reached in the Reform Agenda.
As it provisionally closed another negotiation chapter, #Montenegro demonstrates why it is considered the most advanced country in the #EUenlargement process. Podgorica aims to close all chapters by the end of 2026.
Article 5 has been invoked only once: by the US after the 9/11 attacks. In response, dozens of allied countries deployed troops to the US-led war in #Afghanistan. More than 1,100 non-US coalition soldiers were killed in that war.
Members of Trump's "Board of Peace" in SE Europe: #Kosovo #Albania #Bulgaria #Turkey Declined: #Slovenia #Greece (to follow EU line) Not Decided: #Croatia (officially assessing) #Romania Not Invited (no invitation made public): #NorthMacedonia #Montenegro #Serbia #BosniaHerzegovina
Finally, #Romania punches back in a non-conflictual, diplomatic, yet dignifying and courageous manner. More of this, please!
Scenarios for #Greenland: Deterrence, Dependence, or Capitulation? Given the unpredictability of the Trump Administration and its increasingly hostile tone towards #Europe, a swift or stable settlement appears unlikely. www.cifs.dk/read-listen/...
The recurring use of the lex specialis approach (special laws) in the #WesternBalkans, has become a modus operandi aimed at circumventing established procurement rules. A valuable infographic created by CEP Belgrade, based on the policy paper available: cep.org.rs/en/publicati...
These days are not about the gifts under the decorated tree, but about those who represent our family & the places where we feel safe and appreciated. Dear physical / virtual friends, I wish you a peaceful Christmas alongside your loved ones, with peace in your souls and homes!
"Clear, consistent, and credible messaging about the EU’s commitment to #Serbia’s democratic future is essential. This includes visible support for the broad spectrum of democratic actors who continue to challenge an increasingly oppressive government." www.biepag.eu/publication/...
#Ukraine: -30% rely on national TV for political news, while 45% use messaging apps (Telegram, Viber, WhatsApp) for political updates; - 84% of Ukrainians favor #EUmembership, while 80% support joining #NATO; - 92% identify Russia as the primary threat to national security.