Brussels, November 12-17, 2023

At the Brussels consultative meetings, organized from 12 to 17 November 2023 by the Swedish Foundation Kvinna till Kvinna, entitled "EU accession for whom?" Women's Rights and Participation in the Western Balkans (2021-2026)", a number of issues were raised with relevant stakeholders, including the EEAS, Members of the European Union Parliament, representatives of the European Union Commission, DG NEAR, with the aim of contributing to women's rights from the six countries of the Western Balkans and gender equality in the EU accession processes.

The basis for the talks, in addition to current issues, was the annual Report "Women's Rights in the Western Balkans (2023)", which serves as a benchmark for the six countries that joined the EU in terms of women's rights and influence, for comparison over time. It is the seventh report, which deals with the assessment and priorities in four areas: women in politics, gender-based violence, women on the labor market, the situation for human rights defenders.

This year, the narrative parts of the report are focused on two indicators: gender-based violence and safety for women human rights defenders, due to the serious deterioration of the situation in both indicators throughout the region. The report analyzes current trends and makes recommendations to national governments and the EU.

You can view the report HERE.