Regional Ambassadors' Conference 2025: H.E. Henk van den Dool hosts the 10th edition in Sarajevo

News item | 16-10-2025 | 09:59

H.E. Henk van den Dool, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bosnia and Herzegovina, hosted in October the 10th Western Balkans Regional Ambassadors' Conference in Sarajevo. Gathering Dutch diplomats and colleagues from The Hague resulted again in enhanced information exchange, a common understanding of the developments and an additional strengthening of the existing regional network, all while exploring innovative possibilities for cooperation.

10th NL Regional Ambassadors' Conference

[1st - 3rd October 2025 in Sarajevo, BiH] The 10th NL Regional Ambassadors' Conference was structured in an engaging and stimulating three-day program comprised of thematic lectures by reknown BH experts, meetings with internal and external partners, as well as thematic dinners with relevant civil society representatives. Once again, grounds were successfully created for deeper understanding of current developments within all countries of the Western Balkans region and wider.

H.E. Charlotte van Baak (Croatia), H.E. Özlem Canem (North Macedonia), H.E. Martijn Elgersma (Serbia, Montenegro), H.E. Reinout Vos (Albania), H.E. Janneke Vrijland (Slovenia), H.E. Henk van den Dool (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Ms. Anne-Marije van de Staaij (Deputy Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina), Dutch diplomats, and colleagues from The Hague attended this years' conference, organised in different venues in Sarajevo. 

Their particular attention was given to topics related to stability and security, EU accession, economic cooperation, and the future of regional Dutch networks. A broad agreement was made that the Netherlands should also maintain its focus on developing the rule of law, as this ultimately benefits the population and civil society in these countries and is key for EU accession process. 

Stability and Strategic Dialogue in the Western Balkans

Thanks to the presentations held by Prof. Dr. Sead Turčalo, the Dean of the Faculty of Political Sciences at the University of Sarajevo, and dr. Adnan Huskić, Professor at the Sarajevo School of Science and Technology within the Department for Politics and International Relations, thematic sessions on security, stability, as well as the Western Balkans and the EU were followed with meaningful discussions.

The conference served as a platform for open exchange on shared priorities, with a special focus on advancing regional security, strenghtening political cooperation, and promoting long-term stability. Amid evolving geopolitical dynamics and ongoing efforts toward Euro-Atlantic integration, the gathering underscored the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement in addressing cross-border issues such as organized crime, migration, and hybrid threats. Through renewed commitment to collaboration, the conference reaffirmed the role of diplomacy in fostering a peaceful, secure and prosperous Western Balkans.  

Western Balkans and the European Union

European integration featured prominently on the agenda of this years' NL Regional Ambassadors' Conference held in Sarajevo, confirming the shared devotion of the Netherlands to support common aspirations of all respective countries towards a European future. Participating diplomats emphasized the importance of aligning regional cooperation with the broader EU accession process, particularly in areas such as rule of law, democratic governance, and economic resilience. 

The conference highlighted the EU integration path not only as a strategic objective, but as a catalyst for lasting peace, security, and reform in the Western Balkans. By assisting the fostering of stronger political and institutional ties with the European Union, regional leaders could aim to overcome divisions and accelerate convergence with EU standards - ensuring the Western Balkans remain a vital part of Europe's future.

The Netherlands and its Economic Cooperation within Western Balkans

The NL Regional Ambassadors' Conference in Sarajevo also served as an opportunity to highlight the growing potential for Dutch economic cooperation within Western Balkans. With a strong tradition of innovation, sustainable development, and open trade, the Netherlands is well-positioned to support the region's economic transformation through investment, knowledge sharing, and public-private partnerships. Areas such as renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and digital technology present significant opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration. 

Dutch engagement in the Western Balkans not only contributes to economic growth but also reinforces broader goals of regional stability and EU integration. By promoting good governance, transparent business practices, and inclusive development, Dutch economic cooperation can play a key role in unlocking long-term prosperity accross the region - anchoring the Western Balkans more firmly within the European economic and political space. 


 

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

As the Dutch Regional Ambassadors' Conference concluded, it underscored the vital role regional ambassadors play in bridging policy and implementation. The conference provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, strategic alignment, and the strengthening of interregional cooperation. Through a series of focused discussions and collaborative sessions, participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to fostering Western Balkans regional development and civic engagement.

As agreed by all ambassadors present, the 11th Regional Ambassadors' Conference for the Western Balkans will take place in Skopje in 2026.