Implementation Dialogue with Civil Society on Enlargement

Description

In her second Implementation Dialogue, Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement, will meet with civil society actors to discuss their crucial roles in the delivery of the EU’s enlargement policy, including the accession process, promoting EU values, and strengthening democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law.

The event aims to: 

• Strengthen direct and meaningful engagement and collaboration between Commissioner Kos and civil society.
• Discuss the implementation of the Enlargement policy, focusing on the revised methodology and its impact on civil society and civic space.
• Share best practices on government and civil society engagement, notably for communicating the enlargement agenda, supporting EU-driven reforms, and combating disinformation. 

Summary conclusions

On 12 November 2025, Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, held her second Implementation Dialogue, this time on the role of civil society in enlargement policy. It took place in Brussels with representatives of civil society organisations based in or working on Enlargement countries (listed below). 

The purpose of this dialogue was to explore how the enlargement policy can better support an enabling environment for civil society and strengthen cooperation between governments and civil society in the accession process. Additionally, it aimed to identify best practices for civil society to promote EU values and foster positive narratives about EU enlargement, and to outline the Commission’s role in supporting these efforts.

The participants commended the whole-of-society and fundamentals-first approaches to enlargement. They emphasised the importance of fully implementing these frameworks to ensure the enlargement process benefits society as a whole and strengthens democratic principles and fundamental rights.

Participants expressed their satisfaction with the efforts of Commissioner Kos and DG ENEST to work and engage with civil society. Nevertheless, they argued for a more structured, inclusive and meaningful dialogue with the Commission, both locally and in Brussels. The Commissioner and participants discussed various ideas to strengthen the engagement between civil society and the EU, noting that the new EU Strategy for Civil Society includes an action to institutionalise consultations in enlargement countries.

Under the revised Enlargement methodology, in place since 2020, assessing conditions for civil society to fulfil its role is a key component of a functioning democratic society and is embedded into the fundamentals cluster. Although this has been an important step forward, participants encouraged the Commission to focus more on monitoring the civic space rather than government performance. For some countries, the roadmap on the Functioning of Democratic Institutions has been beneficial in ensuring an enabling environment for civil society.

Participants also explored the role of civil society in contributing to effective strategic communication in the enlargement process, especially in ensuring the public receives accurate information and in countering disinformation. Technical EU processes, such as the transposition of the EU acquis, should be transformed into relatable human stories that foster a sense of connection and belonging among individuals. Special focus should be on youth engagement, which is crucial for sustainable and long-lasting progress. 

Participants appreciated the nearly four-hour discussion with Commissioner Kos, stating that this reflects her strong commitment to meaningful engagement with civil society. They conveyed their eagerness for continued collaboration and cooperation in the future.

Commissioner Kos acknowledged the challenges on the ground, noting negative trends in the civic space in many enlargement countries and attempts of pressure including in some EU Member States. She emphasised that civil society is a backbone of a thriving democracy and thus must be strengthened. A new EU Strategy for Civil Societyas part of the European Democracy Shield, which for the first time include EU Member states and candidate countries on the same level, provide a strong framework to that end. By contributing to policymaking, civil society not only supports democratic values but also ensures that the voices of all citizens, including marginalised groups, are heard, fostering an inclusive and vibrant public debate. She noted that enlargement succeeds when reforms are understood, supported, and shaped by people, and civil society is the bridge that connects institutions with citizens. Commissioner Kos committed to continuing engagement with civil society and underlined that their ideas will be further explored by the Commission.

Participating organisations:

• Open Government Partnership (global organsation)
• Kvinna till Kvinna (regional organsation)
• ERA – LGBTI Equal Rights Association (regional organsation)
• Initiative for Monitoring the European Integration of BiH (national organisation)
• Civil Network OPORA (national organisation)
• Civicus (global organisation)
• Balkan Civil Society Development Network (regional organsation)
• Partners Albania (national organisation)
• Civic Initiatives (national organisation)
• Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (regional organsation)
• WatchDog.MD (national organisation)