From February 24-26, BCSDN and partners conducted a high-level advocacy visit to Brussels, engaging with EU policymakers, civil society, and think tanks. The key event, Western Balkans Civil Society Policy Dialogues in Brussels: How Do We Get to Enlargement That Delivers?, organized in cooperation with the Think for Europe Network and Open Society Foundation – Western Balkans under the IGNITA initiative, hosted by the European Policy Centre (EPC) underscored the necessity for democracy, rule of law, and civil society inclusion in the EU accession process. Speakers raised concerns over the shrinking civic space in the Western Balkans, warning that prioritizing speed over democratic standards threatens both regional democracy and EU credibility. Calls were made for stronger EU safeguards, financial support, and a more structured role for civil society in enlargement. Discussions also examined the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, with experts stressing that reforms should not be reduced to a transactional exercise. BCSDN Brussels advocacy visit concluded with meetings with MEPs and high-level officials, including representatives from the Cabinet of EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, to address civic space challenges in the Western Balkans and explore ways to strengthen protections for civil society. Find more here.
Source: BCSDN