EESC convened the EU–Western Balkans Civil Society High-Level Conference in Vienna on 29 May under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Bringing together civil society representatives, policymakers, social partners, EU institutions, and stakeholders from the Western Balkans and EU Member States, the event focused on how to strengthen trust and partnership as essential pillars of a credible and inclusive enlargement process. Discussions explored the role of civil society in advancing EU enlargement, strengthening democratic resilience, countering disinformation, and improving communication on enlargement, while also addressing the contribution of civil society to the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Organised in cooperation with the European Commission, the Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans (OSF-WB), and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), the conference provided a platform for dialogue between governments, social partners, and civil society actors from across the region and the European Union ahead of the EU–Western Balkans Summit. BCSDN participated in the conference, presenting its advocacy positions on civic space, meaningful civil society participation in EU accession processes, and dedicated support for civil society within future EU funding frameworks. Find more here.
Source: European Economic and Social Committee / Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans