• 2024-06-11

Nataša Vučković - EU Civil Society Forum 2024 for the Western Balkans and Türkiye

ALDA President’s Speech at the EU Civil Society Forum 2024 for the Western Balkans and Türkiye

On 11 June 2024, Nataša Vučković, ALDA President, delivered an opening speech at the EU Civil Society Forum 2024 for the Western Balkans and Türkiye, an annual event organised by the EU TACSO 3 project on behalf of the European Commission, DG NEAR. The aim of the event, which took place in Belgrade (Serbia) from June 11 to 13, was to provide space for the key stakeholders involved in civil society in the region to come together, network, and offer a platform for discussion of the key topics relevant to civil society this year.

“It is a great honour to be able to welcome you in Belgrade at the opening of the Western Balkans and Türkiye EU Civil Society Forum 2024.

It is a pleasure to address this Forum on behalf of ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy. ALDA is the global alliance of local and regional authorities and civil society actors working together with a participative approach for resilient, inclusive and sustainable communities.

After being active in the region of the WB for about 25 years, through local democracy agencies, ALDA has launched, at the end of April 2024, a new three-year regional project supported by the Agence française de développement (AFD). The BOOST project will offer various paths for cooperation and support for civil society organisations in the region. 

At the same time, I represent the Serbian based Center for Democracy Foundation, which marks 30 years of work in 2024, work dedicated to development of democracy, human rights, sustainable development and to advancement of EU integration and regional cooperation. As representative of the Foundation, I have had the honour to be elected member of the Council for Creating an Enabling Environment for Civil Society, as well as member of the EU Serbia Joint Consultative Committee which enabled me to become a member of the Enlargement Candidate Member Initiative launched by the European Economic and Social Committee.”

Nataša Vučković - ALDA President

READ THE FULL SPEECH HERE!