The Open Balkan initiative is a regional integration agreement between countries of the Western Balkans, presented as a reaction to the slowing down of the process of European Integration for the six aspiring countries: Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro – confirmed as candidates for membership – and Bosnia Herzegovina and Kosovo – potential candidates. Three of them – Albania, Serbia and North Macedonia – have signed agreements to open their national borders to each other’s citizens and products from 1 January 2023, without restrictions. These three countries believe that this economic zone will both prepare them for membership of the European Union and also offer an active way forward in response to the delay in obtaining EU membership. This panel brings together key protagonists to look at the issues in greater depth.