All the countries of the region face similar problems and the inequalities that arise from them, which is why it is necessary to create conditions for greater connection and solidarity between countries because this is the only way to solve existing and upcoming problems arising from the global crisis, emphasized the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Brankica Janković, at the panel discussion entitled “Suppressing inequality – a step towards solidarity”, held at the third international gathering within the WB2EU program, organized by the Belgrade Fund for Political Excellence.

The Commissioner emphasized that one of the main causes of discrimination and inequality is poverty and that, above all, this problem must be actively solved. She emphasized the role of the civil sector, stating that it can have a significant impact on decision-making policy aimed at reducing inequality and building a fairer society.

In the discussion moderated by BFPE president Sonja Licht, Professor Sarina Bakić from the Faculty of Political Sciences in Sarajevo, and Sofija Todorović from the Youth Initiative for Human Rights took part. Among other things, it was discussed whether European integration can encourage more solidarity in the Western Balkans, what are mechanisms the governments of the countries of the region can undertake in order to be more actively involved in the fight against discrimination, and what is the role of civil society organizations in that process.