EESC President

The 10th Western Balkans Civil Society Forum, held in Budva and hosted by the EESC, reaffirmed the central role of civil society in the EU enlargement process. Montenegro’s hosting of the Forum signalled its ambition to lead the region as a frontrunner, aiming to close all negotiation chapters by 2026 and join the EU by 2028. The Forum focused on the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, and the future of civic space and social dialogue.

The Forum opened with interventions from EESC President Oliver Röpke, Deputy Prime Minister Nik Gjeloshaj, RCC Secretary-General Amer Kapetanović, Open Society Foundations Western Balkans Director Andi Dobrushi, EU Ambassador Johann Sattler, ETF Director Pilvi Torsti, and Professor Gordana Đurović. Over 100 participants from across the region took part in the two-day event.

Day one focused on the Growth Plan and financial support under the new EU Facility for the Western Balkans. Civil society organisations called for transparent governance, proper inclusion in monitoring structures, and concrete safeguards against political interference. President Röpke emphasised that enlargement must be driven by participation, not just technical compliance.

Day two centred on the European Pillar of Social Rights, with sessions on fair work, education, social inclusion, and labour mobility. Speakers raised concerns about skills gaps, brain drain, and the need to link social policy with regional development. The EESC’s Enlargement Candidate Members initiative was highlighted as a key tool for structured civic engagement.

The Forum concluded with broad support for institutionalising civil society’s role in the accession process. President Röpke welcomed Montenegro’s leadership and stressed that real convergence means empowering people, not just ticking boxes. Participants agreed on the need for long-term dialogue mechanisms, cross-border cooperation, and safeguarding democratic spaces across the region.