Séamus Boland, President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), has called on EU institutions to involve representatives from candidate countries more directly in their work, stressing that participation is essential to preparing for EU membership. He highlighted the EESC’s Enlargement Candidate Members’ Initiative as a practical example of gradual integration, allowing civil society representatives from nine candidate countries to contribute to drafting EESC opinions and participate in meetings, although without voting rights. Boland noted that the initiative gives representatives direct experience of EU decision-making while strengthening the role of civil society in the accession process. Reflecting on his recent visit to Montenegro, he described its civil society as vibrant but acknowledged that ensuring its regular involvement in governance and reforms remains a challenge. His remarks underline the importance of extending opportunities for meaningful civil society participation across EU institutions, even before candidate countries become members. Read more here.
Source: The New Union Post