The Indispensable Role of Civil Society in EU Integration
Photo courtesy: College of Europe in Tirana
The process of EU integration cannot succeed without the active participation of civil society organizations (CSOs). This was a key takeaway from the conference “EU Enlargement and Societal Transformation in the Western Balkans: Civil Society and Youth Engagement for Democratic Resilience”, organized by the College of Europe in Tirana. CSOs play a crucial role in political transformation, advocating for democratic reforms and ensuring that EU accession is not just a bureaucratic process but a fundamental societal shift.
During the panel discussion “Challenges of Societal Transformation in the EU Accession Process – The Role of Civil Society Organizations and Youth Engagement Initiatives,” panelists highlighted how civil society must be actively involved in decision-making processes, help build public trust in institutions, and hold governments accountable. For EU accession to be meaningful, a well-defined strategy is needed to ensure CSOs can effectively contribute and influence policy changes.
The EU has consistently emphasized, particularly over the last two decades, that without a vibrant civil society holding governments accountable, reforms risk being superficial or short-lived. The EU’s support for civil society focuses on two key priorities:
- Strengthening civil society organizations – helping them develop into independent, dynamic, and effective actors advocating for democratic values.
- Enhancing government-CSO cooperation – a critical but often challenging aspect of democratic transition.
One of the biggest challenges remains the reluctance of some governments to recognize CSOs as legitimate partners rather than adversaries. Changing this perception requires a shift in governance styles, encouraging greater openness and constructive engagement, even with critical voices.
Given the increasing global restrictions on civic space, the EU must take decisive action to safeguard democratic values. A key priority is ensuring that civic space remains a non-negotiable aspect of accession negotiations. Countries that fail to uphold democratic values should face tangible consequences. Another crucial aspect is integrating civil society into high-level EU-candidate country dialogues. Sustainable transformation is only possible when CSOs are given a seat at the table in policymaking and reform monitoring. The EU has acknowledged that without a strong civil society, there is a serious risk of democratic backsliding, even within existing member states.