Some 200 representatives from civil society organisations, the European Commission, EU Delegations, Western Balkan authorities and international organisations attended the Civil Society Forum in Skopje on 8 and 9  June. The main objective of the meeting was to launch the revised “Guidelines for EU Support to Civil Society in the Enlargement Region 2021-2027”.

The Forum reaffirmed the important role that civil society organisations play in their societies and in the EU integration process. Such organisations can contribute to necessary reforms, help involve citizens and support the economic, social and political transformation of the region. In times of crisis, civil society organisations are essential in helping monitor impact, reduce misinformation, and defend the interests of marginalised communities.

The EU will use the guidelines for monitoring at regular intervals. This will help the EU, as well as other stakeholders, to identify and act on areas where there is room for improvement.

The guidelines are accessible here