The Republic of Kosovo has officially taken over the one-year chairmanship of the Western Balkans Fund (WBF), an inter-regional initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation and dialogue among the region’s countries through civil society organizations and joint projects.
Beginning January 1, 2025, Kosovo, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora (MPJD), succeeded Bosnia and Herzegovina in leading the Fund. As part of this new role, the “Regional Networking and Dialogue Session” is taking place in Pristina from June 11 to 13. Organized by the WBF in cooperation with the European Union, this session aims to foster networking and the exchange of experiences among civil society actors in the Western Balkans.
Commitment to Regional Cooperation and European Integration
The MPJD marked the start of Kosovo’s chairmanship with an official reception for participants from regional countries. Mr. Mentor Tahiri, Director of the Department for Europe, EU, and Region at the MPJD, emphasized Kosovo’s commitment to regional cooperation as part of its journey toward European integration.
“For Kosovo, European values and standards are the foundation for building sustainable regional cooperation,” Tahiri stated. He added that during this one-year mandate, Kosovo will focus on strengthening the Fund institutionally and expanding access for all relevant actors.
Tahiri also highlighted the importance of equal participation by civil society organizations in WBF programs and expressed pride that over 100 beneficiaries from Kosovo have been involved in Fund-financed projects, either as leaders or partners.
The three-day activity in Pristina is expected to serve as a platform for advancing cross-border cooperation and affirming Kosovo’s role in regional initiatives that reinforce the integration, stability, and sustainable development of the Western Balkans.
