I’m proud of the WBF – it helps CSOs implement new projects which in turn contribute to building more inclusive, diverse, and equal societies. These are ideas and projects that could transform the countries of the region, create sustainable regional networks, and pave the way for the region’s integration into the EU
Silvio Gonzato, EU Delegation Ambassador to Albania
Full Transcript of the Speech held by H.E. Silvio Gonzato, Ambassador of European Delegation to Tirana, at the 7th Anniversary Reception and the Awarding Ceremony of the ERC Grants – 18 SEPTEMBER 2024 (AS DELIVERED)
Thank you for having me.
Dear friends and champions, I am truly happy to be here, not just on behalf of the EU Delegation in Albania, but on behalf of all the EU delegations in the region, to celebrate with you the seventh anniversary of the Western Balkans Fund and highlight the importance of regional cooperation, which lies at the heart of its mission.
Let me begin by saying that regional cooperation is not just a formal requirement of the EU accession process—it is a cornerstone of prosperity, stability, and peace in the region. It is not an obligation, but it is in the best interest of the people living here.
Peace is crucial and has been key since the end of the Balkan Wars in the 1990s. Much of this peace has been achieved through improved regional cooperation, which ensures better communication and understanding to prevent such tragedies from happening again in the future.
A few days ago, I attended a presentation on the results of the Western Balkans Governance Barometer, and the outcomes concerning regional cooperation were both challenging and enlightening. There is now clear support for more regional cooperation and regional economic integration.
This support was evident in the votes cast by ordinary citizens and businesses alike. The message is clear: there is a growing demand for more cooperation. Furthermore, there is a message of unity and hope—nearly four out of five respondents in the barometer prioritized what brings people together over what divides them.
Trust in regional cooperation is also at an all-time high. An impressive 82% of ordinary citizens clearly recognize the benefits of increased mobility and exchanges, and it is crucial that this progress continues through regional agreements. It is important that people in the region can travel freely, using only their ID cards, just as they do within the EU.
The mission of the Western Balkans Fund is extremely important, as it responds directly to the calls of the region’s citizens. The beauty of this Fund lies in the fact that it is a grassroots initiative—a bottom-up approach that truly gives a voice to ordinary citizens.
Over these past seven years, the Fund has established itself as a credible and vital player in fostering cooperation through concrete civil society initiatives. I am proud to announce that the EU has renewed its financial support to the Fund for its second phase, with a contribution of 1 million euros for the next two years. This effort is part of a broader “Team Europe” approach, with other EU member states also contributing bilaterally to the Fund’s work.
Today, alongside celebrating the anniversary of the Western Balkans Fund, we are also celebrating the people of the region and their aspirations. I would like to congratulate the 12 projects and the champions behind these regional cooperation initiatives, which were selected through the Call for Proposals that we have supported and co-funded. These projects will work regionally on issues such as sustainable development, social, cultural, and scientific topics, and will enhance good neighborly relations and reconciliation.
It is wonderful to see that the Western Balkans Fund provides opportunities for people with fresh, innovative ideas, promoting more inclusive, diverse, and equal societies. These projects focus on important areas, such as inclusive theater for people with disabilities, support for marginalized groups, and mental health initiatives.
These are topics that are close to my heart, and it is no coincidence that this year’s theme for Europe was focused on inclusion, diversity, and human rights. I am pleased that the youth champions have chosen to focus on those at risk of being left behind in the process of joining the European Union.
Another important aspect covered by your projects is active citizenship and democracy. As I often say—perhaps to the point of boredom for those here in Tirana—joining the European Union is not merely a technocratic exercise. It’s not just about adopting technical standards but also about a commitment to the values that underpin the EU: democracy, the rule of law, and non-discrimination. It’s about joining not only an economic union but also a political one.
Your projects, which promote active citizenship, are helping prepare the citizens of tomorrow—those who will be not just citizens of your countries, but also citizens of the European Union. By fostering civic engagement, you are helping to lay the groundwork for accession.
These projects, designed and implemented by civil society organizations, highlight the critical role that civil society plays, not only in the EU accession process but also in fostering regional cooperation through initiatives that promote governance. Civil society helps build regional networks that we know will be sustainable and can support grassroots organizations, helping them grow and become stronger voices in the region.
In a region like this, we need to demonstrate that accession is not solely a government-led process, but a societal transformation based on genuine civic participation. I look forward to seeing the impact of the projects being awarded today and hope to support you in their implementation, inspiring others to follow your lead.
In Albania, there is a popular saying: “One cannot prosper if the neighbor suffers.” We have seen this proven true, particularly in difficult times such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, when unity made us stronger.
There is a strong case for multilateralism. As some of you may know, my previous posting was with the United Nations in New York. I have seen multilateralism in action, and though it is going through a challenging period, it remains the only viable path forward.
Let me conclude by congratulating the Fund for its outstanding work in regional cooperation, and wishing the 12 champions the best of luck and great success in their projects.
Thank you.
