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FRA joined EU–Western Balkans Civil Society High-Level Conference

FRA intervened during the EU–Western Balkans Civil Society Conference: Trust and Partnership at the Heart of EU Enlargement, on 29 May in Vienna. The event was organised by the European Economic and Social Committee jointly with the Cyprus Presidency of the EU, the European Commission and the Open Society Foundation.

It brought together several representatives from Austrian and Western Balkans civil society, trade unions and employer organisations. 

The event discussed the Western Balkans on the Road to the EU focusing on civil society’s Role. FRA’s presentation highlighted the significance of the rule of law, fundamental rights, the functioning of democratic institutions and civic space in the enlargement process. 

In particular, the Agency’s intervention illustrated concrete actions foreseen in the EU Strategy for Civil Society. These include the role played by the Agency, that can benefit EU candidate countries and the civil society dimension of the enlargement process, such as the Civil Society Platform, enhanced monitoring, civic space knowledge hub and continued financial support.