On 9 May 2025, the roundtable "Environmental Issues and Media in South East Europe: Discussing Challenges and Fostering Collaboration in the Framework of EU Enlargement" was held in Trento, Italy, as part of the second edition of ESTIVAL, a festival dedicated to the politics, society and culture of Central, Eastern and Balkan Europe.
The festival aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of contemporary issues affecting Central, Eastern and Balkan Europe, while promoting public debate, cross-border dialogue and cross-cultural understanding.
The roundtable, organised by the Centre for International Cooperation of Trento (CCI) in cooperation with Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT), provided a platform gathering scholars, journalists and cultural experts to discuss current political, social and cultural dynamics across the region. Over the course of the two-day festival, participants took part in panel discussions, roundtables, documentary screenings and photo exhibitions, addressing key topics such as EU enlargement and regional integration; Environmental challenges in South East Europe; Social movements and democratic resilience; Geopolitical developments, including those related to Ukraine and the Caucasus.
“Enhancing environmental protection, risk reduction and resilience in the CEI region is crucial in light of increasing environmental pressures driven by climate change and resource overexploitation. Reducing the negative impacts of climate change, minimising pollution and limiting environmental exploitation are therefore essential for future prosperity in CEI Member States.
While climate change cannot be reversed overnight, mitigation and adaptation actions remain vital. In this context, the CEI promotes the responsible use of environmental resources, cultural change and resilience, contributing to sustainable development for future generations.”
By encouraging informed debate and cross-border exchange, the roundtable contributed to strengthening cooperation between media professionals and experts, supporting a more nuanced public discussion on environmental challenges and European integration in South East Europe.
For more info: marconato@cei.int
