The Civil Society Observatory to Counter Organized Crime in South Eastern Europe, launched in August 2018, acts as a platform where civil society organizations get together to engage in their common fight against organized crime and corruption. Recently, a substantive report was completed based on the contributions of civil society. Focusing on Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, it maps local vulnerabilities throughout the region and seeks to uncover the interconnectedness of illicit activities and organized-criminal groups. 

In addition, events have been organized in the framework of the Observatory to enhance local cooperation amongst civil society in the fight against organized crime and corruption as well as contribute to the Berlin Process. The topic of anti-corruption was first introduced by the Trieste Summit 2017 and in preparation to the London Summit 2018 five of the six countries in the Western Balkans stated their continuing anti-corruption commitment. Poznan 2019 will continue this dialogue between between policy makers and civil society representatives. 

* References to Kosovo made throughout this report are made without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.