The international seminar organised by MCL / EFAL (Movimento Cristiano Lavoratori (Christian Workers’ Movement) / Ente Nazionale per la Formazione e l'Addestramento dei Lavoratori (National Board for the Education and Training of Workers) in collaboration with EZA was held in Podgorica, Montenegro, from 22 to 24 September 2025 on the topic “The EU enlargement to the Western Balkans: Combating inequalities in the labour market”, attended by 34 representatives of workers' organisations from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Croatia, Italy, Austria and Montenegro. The seminar was funded by the EU and was part of the EZA special project for workers' organisations in the candidate countries.
The main theme of the three days was the accession of the Western Balkans to the EU and the importance of social dialogue as a driver of social cohesion and integration between nations. The Italian ambassador to Montenegro and the Croatian ambassador to Albania participated in the seminar.
The first day was kicked off by the Vice-President of MCL, Guglielmo Borri, who introduced the three panel discussions of the seminar and the general theme.
Various foreign representatives made numerous contributions during the sessions, which focused particularly on the analysis of the crucial steps towards a more dynamic and determined approach in the accession negotiations with the western Balkan states, which are described as a “geostrategic litmus test of the EU” against the backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions that are threatening the security and stability of the old EU. Time is running out to complete this project, and the European transformation must therefore be carried out as quickly as possible. This is the only way the EU can finally include the countries of this long-forgotten region in the European democratic arena.
A new phase of civil and economic development is essential to encourage genuine social dialogue in all areas, and only renewed social cohesion can secure the path to European integration. These steps are necessary to promote the full social and cultural integration of the Balkans, and workers' organisations play a key role in interpreting and supporting the new requirements and needs of workers in an era of globalisation.