On 24 October, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held the Enlargement High-Level Forum in Brussels, focusing on the EU’s enlargement strategy and the pivotal role of civil society in fostering democratic governance and accountability within candidate countries. With the guiding message that “the next Commission must be the enlargement Commission,” the forum aimed to provide a roadmap for the EU accession process by reinforcing partnerships with civil society and social partners. This inclusive event gathered over 140 representatives from civil society, governments, and EU institutions, underscoring the need for a collaborative approach to EU integration and shared values across Europe.
The Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN) participated in the forum with representatives from its member organizations involved in the EESC’s Enlargement Candidate Members Initiative (ECMI), alongside the network’s Executive Director, Biljana Spasovska, who spoke to a key panel on the vital role of civil society in driving successful EU enlargement. In her remarks, Ms. Spasovska emphasized that transparency, accountability, and citizen involvement are fundamental to a genuine EU accession process. She highlighted the increasing restrictions on civic freedoms in the Western Balkans, especially in Serbia, where activists face lawsuits, arrests, and smear campaigns for exposing corruption and protecting the environment. Ms. Spasovska called on the EU to prioritize the fundamentals and the rule of law, warning that downplaying the repression of civil society risks undermining both EU credibility and public support. She urged for strengthened EU monitoring, transparent benchmarks, and real civil society involvement to ensure that the enlargement process remains transformative and true to democratic values.
The forum’s sessions centered on building resilience within civil society, exchanging best practices in social dialogue, and supporting the transition toward a competitive, green, and digital economy. Leaders and experts from EU Member States and candidate countries shared insights on labour and social security, highlighting that a robust civil society is indispensable for the reforms necessary on the path to EU membership.
The high-level forum reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to a values-driven enlargement process, placing civil society at the forefront and advocating for a stronger, more inclusive Europe that reflects democracy and social equity across all Member and candidate states. BCSDN’s participation underscored the essential role of CSOs in upholding democratic principles, fostering citizen participation, and advancing much-needed reforms within candidate countries.
For more information, please visit the EESC website.