The Balkans in Europe Policy Advisory Group (BiEPAG) is proud to welcome five new members to its expert network. These distinguished scholars and policy professionals bring in-depth knowledge of EU integration, regional cooperation, democracy, and social transformation across the Western Balkans and EU.
Their addition marks a significant strengthening of BiEPAG’s capacity to inform public debate, shape strategic policy solutions, and foster democratic development in Southeast Europe. As BiEPAG continues its mission—launched jointly by the European Fund for the Balkans and the Centre for Southeast European Studies at the University of Graz—these new members reinforce its commitment to academic excellence and policy relevance.
Meet the new members:
Frauke M. Seebass
Carl Lutz Fellow at Andrássy University Budapest and Visiting Fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) in Brussels. Frauke’s doctoral research focuses on EU foreign policy towards Kosovo, and her work spans EU enlargement, youth participation, political communication, and democracy-building. With a background in peace and conflict studies and grassroots activism, she also serves as Associate Fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP).
Giorgio Fruscione
Research Fellow at the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI), where he leads the Balkans Desk. Giorgio is a former journalist who spent years living in the region, and his expertise includes EU integration, authoritarianism, nationalism, Russian influence, and the Belgrade–Pristina dialogue. He is a member of the expert network of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime for Southeast Europe.
Jelena Vasiljević
Senior Research Associate at the Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory, University of Belgrade, and Vice-Chair of its Governing Board. Jelena’s academic work focuses on citizenship transformations, civic engagement, solidarity, and memory politics in the post-Yugoslav space. She coordinates the Laboratory for Philanthropy, Solidarity, and Care Studies, and contributes to international research and civil society projects across Europe.
Nikola Burazer
Programme Director at the Centre for Contemporary Politics and Executive Editor of European Western Balkans. Nikola has authored key analyses on democracy, media freedom, and EU enlargement. He served as Serbia analyst for Freedom House (2021–2025) and produced two widely recognized documentaries: Long Road to Europe and The Time of Stabilitocracy. His focus includes Serbia–Kosovo relations, nationalism, and democratic backsliding in the region.
Odeta Barbullushi
Resident Professor at the newly opened Tirana campus of the College of Europe. A former diplomat and foreign policy advisor to the Albanian Prime Minister, Dr. Barbullushi brings a decade of policymaking experience. She previously served as Deputy Foreign Minister of Albania and led preparations for regional and EU–Western Balkans summits. Her research centers on regional cooperation, EU enlargement, and Albania’s foreign policy.
The addition of these five exceptional experts not only deepens BiEPAG’s thematic range—from grassroots civic activism and political anthropology to foreign policy and regional security—but also expands its geographical and institutional reach.
We warmly welcome Frauke, Giorgio, Jelena, Nikola, and Odeta to the BiEPAG community and look forward to their contributions in advancing the European future of the Western Balkans.
For a full overview of all BiEPAG members, visit: www.biepag.eu/members