CSOs from Western Balkans and the EU gathered in Brussels to advance their role in shaping transport policy and infrastructure projects at the workshop, co-organised by OSF-WB and the TCT Secretariat with support from the European Commission.

BRUSSELS, 18 September 2025 – Civil society organisations (CSOs) from across the Western Balkans and the EU met in Brussels on Thursday to explore ways of strengthening their role in shaping transport policy and infrastructure projects.

The workshop was organised by the Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans (OSF-WB) and the Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community (TCT Secretariat), in consultation with the European Commission’s DG MOVE and DG ENEST, as a pilot initiative to foster cross-border collaboration, encourage civil society participation in policy-making, and deepen cooperation with EU and regional institutions.

Opening the event, Matej Zakonjšek, Director of the TCT Secretariat, underlined that stronger involvement of civil society is crucial for transparent, sustainable, and inclusive transport development in the region.

“With the Transport Community, we have opened a new avenue to bring the region closer to the EU,” said OSF-WB Deputy Director Miodrag Milosavljević. “Our focus is on supporting civil society to strengthen the region’s capacity not only to harmonize with EU legislation but to implement it, which remains the most demanding part of accession.”

Other speakers included Stefano Paci, Deputy Director at DG MOVE, Enrica Chiozza of DG ENEST, and Sabine Trier of the European Transport Workers’ Federation, who each emphasized the need for dialogue between institutions and non-governmental actors.

Sessions examined the role of CSOs in shaping transport policy and opportunities for structured participation in infrastructure projects, showing how civil society can add value in areas such as transparency, environmental oversight, and public consultation.

Knowledge-sharing drew on experiences from both the EU and the Western Balkans. Speakers included Franc Terihati from Albania’s Centre for Legal Empowerment, Anastasiia Nahorna from Transport and Environment, and Muhamed Krasniqi from the Kosovo Association of Motorization (AMRKS). They shared lessons on engaging with decision-makers.

Participants also worked in breakout groups to develop practical proposals for improving CSO engagement in project planning, environmental impact assessments, and policy reform. These ideas were later pitched to institutional representatives as a foundation for future cooperation.

By bringing civil society to the table, the initiative paves the way for a more inclusive transport sector in the Western Balkans – combining institutional expertise with community voices to ensure that policies and projects deliver sustainable benefits for citizens.