The Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN), which includes the Kosovar Civil Society Foundation (KCSF), announced through a media release that it has submitted a letter to the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) of the EU, signed by over 100 civil society organizations.
The letter calls for Kosovo’s inclusion in the Enlargement Countries Membership Initiative (ECMI) and urges the EU to continue the initiative beyond its pilot phase.
BCSDN and KCSF emphasize that excluding Kosovo “violates principles of equality and inclusion,” stressing that it is unfair for Kosovo—a country with a clear EU integration path—to be left out of this initiative solely due to its lack of candidate status.
In its media release, KCSF also stated that this decision is “inconsistent with the very values and principles promoted by this EU institution” and calls for a review of the core eligibility criteria.
The organizations reiterated their concern in a meeting with EESC leaders on May 24, 2024, and recently during the High-Level Civil Society Conference held on October 24 in Brussels.
“Including Kosovo in this initiative is essential for stronger regional cooperation and to support our shared path toward European integration,” KCSF declared in its statement.
