Through the Horizontal Facility III programme, the European Union and the Council of Europe continue to jointly support democratic reforms, human rights protection, and the rule of law across the Western Balkans and Türkiye. This commitment was reaffirmed during the third round of Beneficiary Steering Committee Meetings, held across all seven Beneficiaries, focusing on sustainability of the results and priorities for the future.

Across the region, discussions highlighted the importance of institutional ownership and follow-up in ensuring that reforms translate into lasting change. As stressed by Claus Neukirch, Director of the Directorate of Programme Co-ordination, consolidating achievements and securing their long-term sustainability remain central to the programme’s success.

In Albania, Horizontal Facility partnership continues to support key reforms linked to the EU accession process. Efforts focus on judicial efficiency, anti-corruption measures, anti-discrimination policies, freedom of expression, and combating hate speech, in close partnership with public institutions and civil society.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the programme was praised for its flexibility and results-oriented approach. Authorities emphasised that European standards are increasingly seen not as external obligations, but as shared values underpinning strong institutions, accessible justice, freedom of expression, and equality for all inhabitants.

In Kosovo*, the programme supports the application of European standards to advance human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Actions focus on strengthening institutional capacities of domestic actors, improving justice sector functioning, and supporting reforms aligned with EU priorities.

In Montenegro, support spans from courts to classrooms, addressing justice reform, education, and human rights awareness. As the programme enters its final year, key interventions will focus on strengthening judicial practice, promoting democratic culture, and improving the protection of fundamental rights.

North Macedonia reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening judicial independence, enhancing anti-corruption mechanisms, improving media freedom, and reinforcing institutions responsible for safeguarding fundamental rights. Authorities underlined their appreciation for the ongoing support and expressed their commitment to deepening co-operation.

In Serbia, EU–Council of Europe support is contributing to inclusive reforms, with a strong focus on justice reform, combating discrimination and human trafficking, and promoting democratic values through education and institutional capacity building.

In Türkiye, the partnership continues to advance human rights protection. Authorities are working to further align with European standards in areas such as anti-money laundering, good governance, and women access to justice, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.

As the programme moves forward, continued co-operation and inclusive engagement with public actors and civil society will remain essential to turning reforms into meaningful improvements in the lives of people across the Western Balkans and Türkiye.

*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.