The Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN), which includes the Kosova Civil Society Foundation (KCSF), has submitted a letter to the European Economic and Social Council (EESC) signed by more than 100 civil society organizations from the Balkans. The letter calls for Kosova’s inclusion in the Enlargement Candidate Member Initiative (ECMI) and emphasizes the importance of continuing this initiative beyond the pilot phase.

Earlier this year, the EESC, responsible for engaging social partners from employers, employees, and civil society organizations, launched a pilot project to include representatives from these sectors in enlargement countries that are not yet EU member states. Notably, Kosova was excluded from this initiative.

In a recent statement, KCSF announced that it has been closely monitoring developments regarding this initiative. In April, KCSF began advocating within BCSDN after the EESC decided to use the framework of candidate countries as the primary criterion for eligibility. This decision left Kosovo as the only country with EU membership prospects not included in the initiative.

KCSF considers this decision to be erroneous and contrary to the values and principles promoted by the EU institution. On May 24, 2024, KCSF, along with other civil society representatives and trade unions from Kosovo, met with EESC leaders to express their concerns about Kosova’s exclusion and to request a revision of this decision. This request was further reiterated at the High-Level Conference on Civil Society held in Brussels by the EESC on October 24, 2024.

KCSF believes that including Kosova in this initiative is crucial for fostering stronger regional cooperation and supporting the shared path toward European integration.

/a.p./