Montenegro hosts the 10th Western Balkans Civil Society Forum: Spotlight on skills, social dialogue and EU integration

The renewed focus on EU Accession took centre stage at the 10th Western Balkans Civil Society Forum in Budva, where over 100 participants gathered to discuss the role of civil society, social partners and skills in driving reforms and regional cooperation. 

Co-organised by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), with support from the European Union, the event highlighted how stronger civic participation and smarter investment in skills is integral to speeding up socio-economic alignment with the EU. 

“Socio-economic convergence with the EU is not about ticking boxes—it’s about improving people’s lives,” said European Commissioner Marta Kos via video message. “Civil society is the backbone of any healthy democracy, and we must ensure it plays a central role in this journey.” 

A call for an inclusive, credible EU Accession process 

EESC President Oliver Röpke emphasised that EU enlargement is not only a legal and technical process, but a political and social one too. 

“This is not just between governments and EU institutions—it must also be a bridge between citizens and institutions,” he said.  

RCC Secretary General, Amer Kapetanović, recalled that Montenegro’s progress is serving as an example, and applauded the country for maintaining its regional commitments. 

“EU Accession and regional cooperation go hand in hand,” he said. “Montenegro shows that you can advance nationally while staying true to shared regional goals. Integration is not just about rules—it’s about building the infrastructure of unity.” 

Skills for the future—and for EU membership 

One of the forum’s core themes was the need to address skills mismatches and low adult participation in lifelong learning. The ETF played an active role in discussions, sharing lessons from its long-term work in the region. 

“We see our role as a long-term, reliable partner,” said ETF Director Pilvi Torsti. “Our work is about making reforms stick, by supporting data-driven policy, promoting inclusive governance, and ensuring no one is left behind.” 

Torsti highlighted the ETF’s contribution to youth policy, digital skills development and the implementation of the Youth Guarantee throughout the region. She also stressed that active participation by civil society and social partners is essential to designing effective training systems and preparing modern, fit-for-purpose employment services. 

Turning dialogue into action 

Forum participants adopted a declaration calling for a credible, merit-based EU accession process, stronger support for civil society and social dialogue, and full alignment with the European Pillar of Social Rights and the Union of Skills. They stressed that social and labour standards must not be sidelined in the push for faster integration, not least with respect to women in the workplace, vulnerable minorities such as Roma, as well as people with disabilities. 

The ETF’s continued commitment 

The ETF will continue to play a strategic role in the region, offering tailored policy advice while supporting initiatives that focus on education and labour market reform, and skills development. 

“The Western Balkans face major challenges, from skills gaps to labour migration,” said Torsti. “But with the right tools and partnerships, there is a real opportunity to turn the vicious circle into an upward spiral.” 

The ETF will continue to work with Montenegro and other partners across the region, contributing to EU priorities such as the Union of Skills, the twin transitions of green and digital transitions, and the development of stronger and fairer labour markets.