Montenegro will host the 10th Western Balkans Civil Society Forum on May 13–14, as civil society groups from across the region gather to push for accelerated EU accession and stronger regional cooperation ahead of the European Commission’s 2025 Enlargement Package.
Organisers said the forum aims to support Montenegro’s goal of becoming the next EU member state by 2028 and to reinforce its role as a regional frontrunner in the accession process. The event is also expected to underscore the role of organised civil society in shaping the EU’s future engagement with the Western Balkans.
The two-day meeting will bring together representatives from civil society organisations, trade unions, employers’ associations and EU institutions. Discussions will focus on:
Accelerating EU Accession: Montenegro’s progress and potential to lead the region toward EU membership;
Civil Society and Accession Talks: The role of civil society in monitoring democratic fundamentals and implementing the EU Growth Plan and Facility for the Western Balkans;
Economic and Social Priorities: Contributions to the Common Regional Market (CRM), business environment reforms, the Clean Industrial Deal, social justice and digital transformation;
Labour and Inclusion: Advancing the European Pillar of Social Rights in the region, including more and better jobs, skills development, and social protection.
At the conclusion of the forum, participants will adopt a final declaration outlining civil society recommendations for the EU and national governments.
