The Fourth Western Balkans Civil Society Forum, organised by the European Economic and Social Committee, was held in Zagreb (November, 26-27th).
The main topics on the agenda were freedom of expression, rural development and employment, and the role of civil society organisations in the enlargement process.
It brings together approximately 150 participants, including representatives of Western Balkan civil society organisations, the EESC, governments’ representatives and the EU institutions.
The event was opened by Staffan Nilsson, president of the European Economic and Social Committee, Stefan Fule, Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy, and Vesna Pusic, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia.
ALDA attended the event represented by Dzenana Dedic, LDA Mostar Delegate and Chair of the LDA Delegates’ Advisory Committee.
A final declaration with recommendations from civil society organisations will be issued at the end of the event.The main topics of this year event included also: improvement of freedom of expression and the media, the role of CSO’s in rural development and employment, as well as issues of additional strengthening capacity of Civil Society Organisations in the region.