In early February 2026, the Forum 2000 Foundation under its project "Addressing Common Challenges to Democracy in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership" conducted an advocacy mission to Brussels. Central to this mission was the delegation’s participation in the Western Balkans Forum at the European Parliament, where experts and partners engaged in critical debates regarding the region’s democratic future.
Throughout the three-day visit, the delegation held a series of productive bilateral encounters with prominent Members of the European Parliament, regional officers from the European Commission, European Commissioner Michael McGrath and members from other EU Institutions and civil society leaders. The discussions focused on the key findings of the project’s position paper, "Resilient Neighbors" - which analyzes how fragile institutions and foreign interference erode democratic standards in both regions.
Building on the groundwork laid during a strategic workshop at the 29th Forum 2000 Conference in Prague, the delegation emphasized the urgent need for the EU to adopt a more flexible and responsive approach to supporting civil society, ensuring that democratic actors on the ground have the necessary political and financial "shields" to resist authoritarian backsliding.
The advocacy efforts culminated in a strong call for the establishment of a Rapid Response Mechanism for Democracy Defenders and the implementation of stricter democratic conditionality within the EU enlargement process. Participants highlighted that governments adopting restrictive "foreign agent" laws should face immediate diplomatic and procedural consequences. By bringing these regional perspectives directly to the heart of the European Union, the project has successfully elevated the visibility of Western Balkan and Eastern Partnership civil society, reinforcing the principle that a stable and secure Europe depends on a resilient democratic neighborhood.
