10th Western Balkans Civil Society Forum "Accelerating Socio-Economic Convergence with the EU for a Better Life"

The 10th Western Balkans Civil Society Forum took place in Montenegro on 13-14 May 2024. The forum was held in Montenegro to encourage the country to fulfil its ambition of becoming the next EU member state by 2028 and to serve as a positive example for the rest of the region. This event marked a significant contribution from organised civil society to the European Commission's 2025 Enlargement Package.

The main points on the agenda included:

• Accelerating EU Accession for the Western Balkans: Montenegro Paving the Way
• The Role of Organised Civil Society in the Accession Negotiations and the Growth Plan and Facility for the Western Balkans – focus on Fundamentals
• Contribution of Social Partners and Civil Society Organisations to the Implementation of the Growth Plan and Facility for the Western Balkans – Single Market, Trade and the Clean Industrial Deal and Common Regional Market (CRM), Fostering Business Environment, Social Justice and Digital Transformation
• Contribution of Social Partners and Civil Society Organisations to the Implementation of the European Pillar of the Social Rights in the Western Balkans - More and Better Jobs and Skills Development and Social Protection, Equality and Inclusion

At the conclusion of the event, a final declaration was adopted, outlining recommendations from civil society organisations.

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