Western Balkans: Risk, Power and Opportunity in a Changing European Order
oiip Academy
Western Balkans: Risk, Power and Opportunity in a Changing European Order
1 December 2026 – 2 December 2026
Hybrid (in person with an online option)
Two days exploring the political, security and economic forces reshaping the Western Balkans, from European integration and institutional reliability to energy and critical raw materials. Through case-based discussion and an executive scenario exercise, participants assess political risk and develop strategic responses for governments, businesses and investors.
1–2 December 2026
Format: HYBRID (in-person and online participation available)
Participation fee: € 900.- for professionals / € 500.- for students (both days)
Course language: English
Facilitators: Vedran Dzihic (Senior Researcher at the oiip), Gazela Pudar Drasko (Director of the Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory, Belgrade, Serbia), Branimir Jovanovic (Senior Economist, Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, wiiw), Wolfgang Petritsch (President of oiip, former High Representative to BiH), Dennis Miskic (journalist and activist) and Teodora Janic (IDEMO)
Day 1 · 1 December 2026
Politics, Security and Institutions
Can Europe keep the Western Balkans anchored in the West? The first day examines how recent elections in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are shaping European integration, authoritarian drift and political risk. It looks at the region’s changing security environment and at how informality, weak institutions and rule-of-law challenges affect business decisions. A concluding fireside exchange with Wolfgang Petritsch discusses Europeanisation and rule-of-law reform, with a particular view to Austrian companies investing in the region.
Day 2 · 2 December 2026
Geoeconomics, Resources and Future Scenarios
The second day asks what a changing transatlantic order means for a region that depends on US security guarantees, European integration and external capital. It covers energy security and critical raw materials, as well as the role of diaspora, talent and the start-up ecosystem. In a final scenario workshop, participants compare four regional futures for 2030/2035 (Accelerated European Integration, Managed Stagnation, Authoritarian Stability and Geopolitical Fragmentation), assess their costs and risks, and map concrete next steps for their organisations.
Participation and Payment
Participation fee for both days: €900 for professionals, €500 for students. Hybrid event (in-person attendance with an online option); limited to 25 participants.
Venue:
oiip, Währinger Straße 3/12, 1090 Vienna, Austria
Cancellation Policy
- At least 14 days in advance: Full refund.
- 7–13 days in advance: 50% refund.
- Less than 7 days in advance: No refund.
Materials provided: Executive Handbook, Data Handbook, REFLECTIONS magazine and a curated source list.
Registration and payment
Fee for both days: € 900.- for professionals, € 500.- for students. Hybrid (in person with an online option); maximum 25 places. Venue details will follow.
Cancellation terms
- At least 14 days before: full refund.
- 7–13 days before: 50% refund.
- Less than 7 days before: no refund.