The Western Balkans Follow-up Committee

The Western Balkans Follow-up Committee was established in 2004 in order to follow political, economic and social developments in the countries of the Western Balkans (especially those with whom no joint bilateral civil society bodies have been set up) and to encourage the development of civil society and the consolidation of democracy in the region. It is composed of members from the EESC and meets up to four times a year, in the EU or in the region, with the aim of consulting with political leaders and civil society actors.

The priorities of the Follow-up Committee are: refugee and migration crises, socio-economic development, the fight against corruption, fundamental rights and the rights and co-existence of different minorities, freedom of expression, the rule of law and social dialogue.

The Western Balkans Civil Society Forum

The Western Balkans Civil Society Forum is held every two years in one of the countries of the region. The topics of the forum are in line with the priorities of the Western Balkans Follow-up Committee. The forum brings together a considerable number of civil society organisations, including high-level participants from the EU institutions and the region. It fosters civil society dialogue and regional cooperation. At the end of the Forum, a declaration is adopted with concrete sets of recommendations intended for the governments of the countries of the Western Balkans, as well as for the EU institutions.