The EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, in a video message on Civil Society Organizations Day, stated that she is working to increase EU financial support for NGOs in the Western Balkans.
Speaking about the importance of NGOs for democracy, Kos mentioned that last week she met with a group of NGOs from Serbia, who told her how the political situation is affecting their work.
“NGOs are the backbone of healthy democracies. They amplify voices, protect rights, and hold those in power accountable. Because democracy is not built only in parliaments or courts, it is built in communities, in homes, and in the hearts of all citizens. That’s why I have zero tolerance for actions that undermine civil society, and why I am working on increasing EU financial support in the Western Balkans,” said Kos.
Her statement comes at a time when the Trump Administration suspended funds for almost all U.S. international aid programs, which were mainly implemented through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
The GAP Institute had previously stated that in Kosovo, this decision by U.S. President Donald Trump affects around 17 active projects funded by USAID, which provide significant contributions to the country’s development. Many NGOs were among the beneficiaries of this aid.
Kos also mentioned NGOs from Serbia following raids on the offices of some non-governmental organizations that worked with USAID. The European Union immediately reacted to this action, expressing serious concern and stating that civil society must operate freely and without pressure.
