The Republic of Kosovo has officially assumed the one-year chairmanship of the Western Balkans Fund (WBF), a cross-regional initiative that aims to strengthen cooperation and dialogue between countries in the region through civil society organizations and joint projects.
Starting from 1 January 2025, Kosovo, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora (MFAD), has succeeded Bosnia and Herzegovina in the leadership of the Fund. In this context, from 11 to 13 June in Pristina, the “Regional Networking and Dialogue Session” is taking place, organized by the WBF in cooperation with the European Union. This session aims to promote networking and exchange of experiences among civil society actors in the Western Balkans.
At the official opening of the event, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora marked the beginning of Kosovo’s chairmanship with an official reception for participants from the countries of the region. The Director of the Department for Europe, EU and the Region at the MFA, Mr. Mentor Tahiri, in his welcoming speech emphasized Kosovo’s commitment to regional cooperation as part of the journey towards European integration.
“For Kosovo, European values and standards are the foundation for building sustainable regional cooperation,” said Tahiri, adding that during this one-year mandate, Kosovo will be committed to institutionally strengthening the Fund and expanding access for all relevant actors.
He also emphasized the importance of equal participation of civil society organizations in WBF programs and expressed pride that over 100 beneficiaries from Kosovo have been involved in projects financed by this fund, either as leaders or partners.
The three-day event in Pristina is expected to serve as a platform for advancing cross-border cooperation and affirming Kosovo’s role in regional initiatives that strengthen the integration, stability and sustainable development of the Western Balkans/ Gazzeta Express