As Europe marks 75 years of unity, peace, and shared values, the Southeast Europe Leadership for Development and Integrity (SELDI) proudly joins the celebration by reaffirming its commitment to supporting the Western Balkans on their path toward European integration. For the countries of the region, EU accession is not merely a political goal – it is a transformative journey rooted in democracy, the rule of law, and public integrity.
European integration continues to serve as a strategic anchor for reform and long-term stability across the region. Beyond access to markets and funding, it offers alignment with a governance model based on human rights, justice, and accountability. Yet, this vision is increasingly jeopardized by persistent corruption, which weakens democratic institutions, erodes public trust, and obstructs meaningful reform. Despite repeated political commitments, reform progress remains uneven, particularly in the areas of rule of law and anti-corruption. The European Commission’s annual reports continue to highlight selective justice, weak enforcement, and narrowing civic space as key concerns. Public institutions remain vulnerable to undue influence, and citizens continue to perceive corruption as widespread and unresolved.
As a regional civil society initiative, SELDI works to make the fight against corruption a driver, not a deterrent of EU integration, playing a vital role in supporting the enlargement agenda throughout the Western Balkans. Through its Corruption Monitoring System, SELDI provides critical evidence to identify reform gaps and track national implementation efforts. The data show a persistent disconnect between declared reforms and real-world results. Bridging this gap requires more than political will – it demands inclusive and participatory governance, with civil society treated as a strategic partner in both policymaking and oversight.
The EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans presents a timely and strategic opportunity to advance the region’s EU path. By linking financial support to credible reform efforts, the plan aims to unlock economic growth, strengthen institutions, and accelerate alignment with EU standards. The adoption of Reform Agendas across the region signals political commitment, but delivery has been inconsistent. Delays in implementing anti-corruption measures, weak coordination among institutions, and lack of transparency threaten to undermine public confidence and the credibility of the process. To fully realize the potential of the Growth Plan, Western Balkan governments must take ownership of their Reform Agendas, not as a formality, but as a roadmap toward resilient, inclusive, and democratic societies. Civil society engagement, defined timelines, and robust public accountability mechanisms are essential to making reforms meaningful and impactful.
On this symbolic occasion, SELDI calls on governments, EU institutions, civil society, and citizens to recommit to the foundational values of the European project. EU membership is not solely a matter of ticking off technical criteria, it is about building societies where integrity, justice, and public trust prevail. Europe Day is more than a commemoration- it is a call to act on shared principles. Looking ahead, we urge all institutions and stakeholders to translate commitments into action – by ensuring judicial independence, accelerating anti-corruption reforms, and securing the meaningful participation of civil society at every stage. Reforms must be adequately resourced, transparently implemented, and closely monitored to build public trust and institutional resilience. Regional cooperation, education for integrity, and effective enforcement are no longer optional – they are essential. Strengthening governance in the Western Balkans is not just a requirement for EU accession, it is a shared responsibility for building a fair, accountable, and democratic future.
