Kosovo engaged in ECMI, civil society recognises as historic step in European integration process

In a media communiqué of the Kosovar Civil Society Foundation (KCSF), which has reported on this involvement, it is said Kosovo was left out of ECMI in the lack of candidate country's status for EU integration.

K The CSF has estimated that Kosovo's involvement in this initiative is essential for stronger regional co-operation and to support Kosovo's path towards European integration.

“This development represents a victory for Kosovo's equality and integration in European processes, opening up new opportunities for co-operation, representation and influence of Kosovo civil society in the EU agenda”, the communiqué says.

K The CSF has estimated that this is the result of a lengthy effort by Kosovo civil society and the region, indicating that the voice of civil society, solidarity and regional co-operation can bring about concrete changes.

According to the KCSF, Kosovo civil society will already have the opportunity to contribute directly to the debates and policies that form the European future, along with the 27 EU member states.
Kosovo had initially remained outside ECMI due to the candidate country's formal status criteria.

In this regard, April 2024 K The CSF had launched a response to the European Economic and Social Committee because Kosovo was the only country with the prospect of EU membership, which did not get involved in this initiative, arguing that lack of candidate status should not be an obstacle to Kosovo's involvement in the body.

“Viewing this committee decision as wrong and contrary to the values and principles promoted by this EU institution, The KCSF, along with other representatives of civil society and trade unions from Kosovo on 24 May 2024, held meetings with EESC leaders, where concern for Kosovo's non-involvement was voiced and the decision was required. Moreover, the same demand has been repeated at the High Level Conference for Civil Society that took place in Brussels by the European Economic and Social Committee on 24 October 2024. Meanwhile, November 2024 B The CSDN, whose member is KCSF, had delivered letters signed by over 100 civil society organisations from the Balkans on the European Economic and Social Committee with the requirement for Kosovo's inclusion ECMI”, said in communiqué.

The KCSF communiqué explained what EESC is.

“The European Economic and Social Commission (EESC) is an EU advisory body since 1957, bringing the voice of representatives of civil society and European social partners to politics. Through his opinions, this committee advises EU decisionmakers and provides structured dialogue with the European public. With headquarters in Brussels, E The ESC numbers 329 members from the 27 EU member states”, said in the communique.

It says in September 2023, E ESC launched the Initiative for Membership Candidates for Enlargement (ECMI), which includes representatives of NGOs and social partners from EU candidate countries in the ECSC advisory work. “Across ECMI, EESCC aims to prepare and integrate candidate states into the European Union even before membership, becoming part of formal EU troops, participating in and contributing to discussions affecting EU policies, thus starting the integration of civil society well before the final integration of the state”, it is said in communique.