Speech by the EU Ambassador in Kosovo, Aivo Orav, at the event "EU Support for Civil Society and Media" on the occasion of World NGO Day

Dear representatives of civil society and the media,

We are here on World NGO Day to give well-deserved prominence to organisations driven by public interest, common good, who drive social change and advocate for rights and welfare of the population. 

We have invited today with us the organisations that received an EU grant in 2024. But the EU has supported a myriad of civil society and media organisations in the past two decades.

For us, for the EU, an active and empowered civil society is indeed a crucial component of any democracy. You enhance political accountability and social cohesion; you deepen understanding and inclusiveness of important reforms; and you support reconciliation and help prevent polarisation.

European Union in Kosovo, 2025

Inevitably so, you are also an invaluable partner in Kosovo’s EU accession process, no less because you have an incredible ability to feel the society’s pulse and needs at all times. Kosovo is lucky to have you.

We witness civil society actors and media organisations championing not only advocacy, watchdog roles and policy dialogue – but are equally important in the provision of essential services to the population, in particular marginalised and vulnerable groups.

European Union in Kosovo, 2025

I am aware that the surprising decision by the US administration to pause much of its aid around the world has an immense impact on important programmes delivered by Kosovo’s NGO sector. 

Aside from the imminent impact on programmes previously sustained by US financing, this surprising development also brought again another long-term issue: NGOs’ dependency on donors. It is our hope that this challenge can be addressed with the forthcoming Government strategy for cooperation with civil society 2025-2029.

European Union in Kosovo, 2025

From the perspective of the EU, I can only reiterate that your work, efforts, and legacy remain important for us, for Kosovo’s European future and, more importantly, for the longevity of Kosovo’s democracy and interests of its population. 

As Kosovo’s largest trading partner, investor and provider of financial assistance, the EU will continue to support Kosovo in its reform process and EU path.

European Union in Kosovo, 2025

To do that, we put forward the Growth Plan, which incentivises EU-related reforms. More than EUR 880 million are available to implement Kosovo’s Reform Agenda. Following the ratification of both the facility and loan agreements by the Kosovo Assembly, the EU will release pre-financing of up to 7% of the total allocated amount.  

Consultations with external stakeholders, including civil society organisations, is embedded in the implementation of the Growth Plan. I would thus encourage civil society organisations to extend their active participation also in this framework and support the government in taking full advantage of the Growth Plan, implementing the Reform Agenda, and thus moving closer to the EU.

Thank you.