Highlights from the Civil Society and Think Tank Forum Berlin 2024 – Enabling Space for Civil Society at the Regional Level

From October 9-11, 2024, the Southeast Europe Association and the Aspen Institute Germany, with support from the German Federal Foreign Office, hosted the Civil Society and Think Tank Forum 2024 Preparatory Event in Berlin. This event marked the second significant gathering of the Civil Society Forum this year, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Berlin Process. The Forum continued its mission to formulate and discuss policy recommendations crucial to the Western Balkans, with a particular focus this year on civil society’s role and contributions to the Berlin Process.

Spotlight on Civil Society: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities

The Forum featured multiple panels dedicated to the pillars of the Berlin Process, with three workshops specifically addressing the enabling environment for civil society. The Regional Advocacy Network (RAN) and Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation were invited to share strategies for policy influence and present findings from the Discussion Paper “Shrinking Space for Civil Society – Fostering Collaboration with the Private Sector.” Key insights presented by the network included lessons from projects such as ACT, PRAGG, and RECONOMY, as well as contributions from other network members across the region.

1. Navigating Authoritarian Trends, Civil Society Growth, and Private Sector Collaboration

• Despite the rise in authoritarian tendencies and declining democratic values in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, civil society organizations (CSOs) are experiencing growth. For instance, Montenegro now has 103 CSOs per 10,000 residents, and Albania has 43. This growth shows resilience in the face of challenges, but there is still significant potential for strengthening the role of CSOs.
• Collaboration with the private sector remains underdeveloped, with most partnerships still limited to corporate social responsibility initiatives. However, new opportunities are emerging to broaden this collaboration. Innovative efforts such as the Green Building Council in Serbia demonstrate a growing interest in integrating sustainability goals and private sector engagement into civil society activities.
• Furthermore, the Investment Council of Albania exemplifies effective collaboration among government, academia, and civil society, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing regional challenges and enhancing policy development. For civil society to realize its full potential, deeper partnerships with businesses are essential. This includes not only financial support but also strategic collaboration to advocate for policy changes and sustainable development.

• advocate for policy changes and sustainable development.

2. Enhancing the EU’s Rule of Law Efforts

• The EU’s focus on upholding the rule of law has led to improved consultation processes within the policy cycle, as evidenced by initiatives like the Investment Council, which promotes collaboration among government, academia, and civil society.
• However, there is still a need for more meaningful engagement during the implementation and evaluation phases of policy-making. Social auditing efforts, such as Kosovo’s DEMOS program, and investigative journalism initiatives like the BIN Regional Network, could help close the gap by ensuring that key decisions are made transparently and inclusively.

3. Empowering Grassroots Movements for Systemic Change and Global Campaigning

• Grassroots movements advocating for environmental and social issues are gaining traction across the region, often connecting local struggles with global campaigns. A prominent example is the fight to protect the Vjosa River, known as the last wild river in Europe. This campaign has gained international attention, mobilizing activists and organizations worldwide to advocate against hydropower projects that threaten the river’s ecosystem. You can learn more about this vital initiative here. · Successful initiatives like ACT in Serbia and PRAGG in Bosnia and Herzegovina illustrate how grassroots efforts can lead to significant social change. By connecting these grassroots movements with organized CSOs, including contributions from other network members across the region, we can transform these efforts from merely claiming space to driving systemic change. Utilizing accessible language and partnering with local media are effective strategies for mobilization and public engagement. The Regional Advocacy Network Blog on How to Make Advocacy Work provides practical guidance on enhancing advocacy strategies for systemic impact.