Civil Society Forum Tirana of the Western Balkan Summit Series
Supporting Partner: European Fund for the Balkans
Period: February – May 2017
The Civil Society Forum (CSF) Tirana of the Western Balkans Series is a joint initiative of the European Fund for the Balkans, ERSTE Stiftung, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, Dialog Südosteuropa and Cooperation and Development Institute. The Tirana Forum was organized on 26th to 28th of April 2017, and focused on the importance of the enlargement process of the six countries of the Western Balkans (WB6) to the EU. The following topics were largely discussed during the Forum:
- Youth cooperation in WB6
- Rule of law and anti-corruption
- Business environment and innovation potential in WB6: role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
- Bilateral issues
A special emphasis was put on the priority of WB6 countries in strengthening the rule of law, the judiciary reform and the fight against corruption, as well as the role of SMEs in promoting economic growth and encouraging youth entrepreneurship in the WB6.
The panelists and speakers of this forum elaborated policy recommendations addressed to the Trieste Summit of the Heads of State and Governments, to be held in Italy, on 12th of July 2017.
This event gathered more than 100 participants and brought together high-ranking officials and diplomats, members and representatives of think tanks, civil society organizations, policy institutes, academia, researchers, media, grassroots organizations and citizens’ initiatives from the countries of the Western Balkans and EU.
The Forum was organized by Cooperation and Development Institute, in cooperation with European Fund for the Balkans, ERSTE Foundation and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung.
The interested stakeholders are invited to consult the conclusions of the CSF here.
The agenda of the CSF Tirana can be consulted here.
More information on the Civil Society Forum of the Western Balkan Summit Series can be consulted here.
The four topical papers of the CSF Tirana can be consulted here.
The photo album of the CSF Tirana, from 26th to 28th of April, can be consulted here.
