During Reporting Period 1, significant progress was made in both the technical and scientific aspects of the project. The research efforts were split between establishing the necessary infrastructure and refining the conceptual and methodological frameworks. In the first six months, focus was placed on setting up the research infrastructure in WP1 and refining the conceptual framework in WP2, which was then applied to the three key policy areas covered by REUNIR. Additionally, a methodology for threat assessments in WPs 3-5 was developed. In the second half of the Reporting Period 1, surveys and polling data were analysed in WP6 to assess perceptions about the (in)actions of the EU and other major actors in the EN and WB regions. Milestone 4, the validation of the conceptual and methodological frameworks, was achieved in May 2024, and Milestone 5, which involved the completion of draft threat assessments, was finalised by the end of 2024, with peer review, production, and submission following in month 13 (January 2025).
The work during Reporting Period 1 has laid a strong foundation for the empirical research in the following phase of the project, which will include field research to assess the resilience of the nine candidate countries under review. In the second half of 2025, we will assess the support provided by the EU in countering malign foreign interference in order to identify shortfalls and propose solutions.
The project also made strides in setting up the infrastructure necessary for dissemination, exploitation, and communication. A website was developed and social media presence secured. Initial awareness-building efforts were successful, and early dissemination activities helped engage relevant audiences and contribute to ongoing debates on EU enlargement, defence and security in wider Europe.
Efforts to strengthen the European epistemic community and build networks across the Western Balkans, Eastern Neighbourhood, and Europe were also initiated. Networking activities focused on fostering engagement among research, policy, and civil society communities. These efforts will continue and expand in the coming years, with increased participation in academic conferences, dissemination seminars across various countries, and ongoing engagement with key target audiences and stakeholders.
