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.
As the voice of organised civil society, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) plays a crucial role in shaping policies that impact social and economic aspects within the European Union. The EESC's Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship (SOC) is preparing two key opinions: one will tackle the fight against poverty head-on, while the other looks at revising the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) Action Plan.
