Enlargement Forum 2025

Building an Inclusive Future in an Enlarged EU: The role of Social Dialogue, Civil Society and Youth Engagement

Location

Charlemagne Building, European Commission
Brussels
Belgium
Enlargement countries

Following the success of the inaugural forum in October 2024, the 2025 edition aimed to deepen discussions on how structured dialogue with civil society and youth can contribute to a credible and inclusive enlargement strategy.

The event was opened by EESC President Oliver Röpke, who was joined by:

  • Maida Gorčević, Minister for European Affairs of Montenegro
  • Orhan Murtezani, Minister for European Affairs of North Macedonia
  • Andriana Sukova, Deputy Director General, DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, European Commission

Two thematic sessions followed:

Session I – Building Successful Enlargement through Strong Social Dialogue
This session focused on the institutionalisation of civil and social dialogue in candidate countries, featuring interventions from the three rapporteurs of EESC Opinion REX/598 and speakers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and Moldova.

Session II – Creating Opportunities for Youth: From Education to Employment
This session explored youth engagement and employment strategies with contributions from ECMs from Ukraine, Türkiye, Serbia, and Albania.

The Forum concluded with closing remarks by EESC President Oliver Röpke.

Downloads

  • Flyer ECM Factsheet 2.0