Trust and Partnership at the Heart of EU Enlargement
Event type
Conference
Location
ÖGB ,
Johann-Böhm-Platz 1 A
Vienna
Austria
On 29 May 2026, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) organised a High‑Level Civil Society Conference that brought together EU and Western Balkans stakeholders to discuss the role of civil society in advancing EU enlargement, strengthening democratic resilience and supporting socio‑economic convergence in the region.
The opinion is being elaborated as an exploratory opinion at the request of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU.
The hearing will examine how organised civil society contributes to implementing reforms within the framework of EU’s Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans and the Ukraine Facility.
First session will feature insights from Brussels based stakeholders, offering perspectives from EU-level actors engaged in the region. The following session will be a discussion with stakeholders from the countries concerned that will provide on the ground viewpoints from civil society representatives and practitioners directly involved in reform processes.
Accelerating Socio-Economic Convergence with the EU for a Better Life
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Location
Hotel Splendid Conference & Spa Resort
Bečići bb
Budva
Montenegro
The 10th Western Balkans Civil Society Forum took place in Montenegro on 13-14 May 2024. The forum was hold 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 will represent a significant contribution from organised civil society to the European Commission's 2025 Enlargement Package.
