The European Parliament’s recent reports (July 9, 2025) on Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), and North Macedonia send a clear and urgent message: the Western Balkans must intensify EU-related reforms, effectively use the new Growth Plan, and decisively counter foreign interference. For civil society organizations (CSOs) like the BCSDN, this resolution serves as a critical roadmap for engagement and advocacy.
Key Findings and Messages for Civil Society:
Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption are Paramount: The Parliament consistently emphasizes strengthening the rule of law, combating corruption and organized crime, and ensuring judicial independence. These are foundational areas where CSOs must continue to monitor, advocate for transparency, and hold institutions accountable.
Effective Use of the EU Growth Plan: The resolution links financial support from the EU’s Growth Plan to “effective use” and “strong focus on reform implementation.” This creates an opportunity for CSOs to engage in oversight, ensuring funds genuinely contribute to democratic development and citizen benefits.
Countering Malign Foreign Interference: A significant concern is the pervasive malign foreign interference and disinformation campaigns by external actors (Russia, China), which erode public trust in the EU and democratic institutions. CSOs play a crucial role in building resilience against these threats, promoting media literacy, and advocating for policies that safeguard democratic spaces. An alarm was also raised about the roles of the Hungarian and Serbian Governments in advancing these geopolitical objectives.
Country-Specific Focus for CSO Engagement:
Albania: While commended for its EU commitment and public support, Albania faces political polarization and confrontational rhetoric. CSOs should push for judicial independence, anti-corruption measures, media pluralism, and foster constructive political dialogue to overcome these internal divides.
Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH): Despite the opening of accession negotiations, progress is stalled by divisive rhetoric and secessionist policies, particularly from the leadership of Republika Srpska. CSOs are vital in promoting unity, countering divisive narratives, and advocating for constitutional/electoral reforms that strengthen the state’s integrity against both internal and external threats. The call for targeted EU sanctions against destabilizing forces highlights the urgency for CSO support in these efforts.
North Macedonia: A “frontrunner” with strong commitment, North Macedonia is unfairly blocked by bilateral disputes, leading to public frustration. CSOs must advocate for merit-based accession, address worsening trends in high-level corruption and low public trust in the judiciary, and work to maintain public support for the EU path despite setbacks.
Conclusion: Civil Society as a Vital Partner
The European Parliament’s resolution emphasizes that genuine EU integration necessitates substantial and irreversible advancements in governance and resilience. For BCSDN and its network, this means a continued and strengthened role in monitoring, advocating, and holding governments accountable. Civil society is a vital partner in navigating these complex challenges and ensuring the Western Balkans’ transformative journey towards EU values and principles.