“Together for a feminist Europe” — a powerful message shared by MEP Thomas Waitz during our exchange in the European Parliament — became a symbolic takeaway from this year’s Brussels Advocacy Week. More than a slogan, it embodies the hope and determination behind our continued advocacy for inclusive, values-based EU enlargement.

📷 Johanna de Tessieres

Throughout the week, we engaged with key EU stakeholders responsible for enlargement and regional policy, underlining the urgency of inclusive policymaking. We emphasized the critical need for the EU to stand firm against the rising anti-gender rhetoric and democratic backsliding in the Western Balkans. We highlighted the role of women’s rights organisations who are often at the frontline of defending democratic values, rightfully stressing their role as crucial contributors to rule of law and societal resilience in the region.

One of the key outcomes of our advocacy was the agreement with Members of the European Parliament to initiate a joint letter to the European Commission. This coordinated effort will address pressing regional challenges and call for a stronger EU response that centers around democratic values and human rights — especially women’s rights — in the enlargement process.

During the week, we held valuable meetings with MEPs Matias Nemec, Irena Joveva, Gordan Bosanac, Marko Vesligaj, and Thomas Waitz, representatives of the European Commission Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG ENEST), the European Commission Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), the European External Action Service (EEAS), European Endowment for Democracy (EED), Permanent Representation of Sweden to the EU, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the UK Embassy to Belgium.

Our message to the EU was clear — act decisively to bolster democratic resilience, uphold human rights, and promote peace in the Western Balkans.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to these impactful discussions, showing understanding and support for pressing issues. 

Together, we reaffirm our commitment to a democratic future and rule of law in the Western Balkans. 

Partner organisations:

• ESE Association
• A11 - Initiative for economic and social rights
• YUCOM - Lawyers' Committee for Human Rights
• AWEN - Albanian Women Empowerment Network
• ASTRA – Anti Trafficking Action
• Kosova Women's Network
• Reactor Research in Action
• Women's Rights Center
• Kosova Center for Gender Studies
• MWAHR - Mitrovica Women Association for Human Rights
• Aleanca LGBT
• Roma Women's Association ‘Bolja budućnost’ Tuzla
• Women's Association Peščanik
• SIDA - Styrelsen för Internationellt Utvecklingssamarbete
  (The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency)

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