The limited exchange of information and networking between CSOs, especially across sectors is best mitigated by establishing coordinative and networking structures by pulling recourses and expertise of CSOs together. Several sector-based regional networks and cross-sectoral umbrella networks on national level exist but their communication, coordination and cooperation is still quite limited and does not enable the sector both on national and regional level to speak and work effectively and show its full potential. Coordination and cooperation has been made more immediate in the situation of withdrawing outside resources and support and the effect of the economic crisis expected to persist in the coming years. Improvement needs to be made on the 3 Cs:

1. Communication - Sharing of information in timely, effective and useful manner is crucial to improved capacity for cooperation and networking of CSOs on both national, regional and EU level;
2. Coordination - Initiating joint activities, development of joint proposals with a multi-stakeholder and multi-country approach needs to be supported with identification of opportunities, expertise, allocation of resources and time;
3. Cooperation – The formalization of the network has been a great step towards real, local-owned and needs-driven partnership between CSOs in the region. The challenge remains the improved horizontal cooperation, linkage to national-level networks, East-Western Balkans divided between EU MS and (potential) candidate countries.

There is double challenge faced by CSOs in the Balkans. The democratization, reconciliation and economic transformation process is still far from completed. CSOs, although relatively big in numbers, are young in its existence and fragile in support and structure. It public image is often low as the dependence on external funding sometimes precedes the addressing of immediate concerns of the citizens. In order to be able to address the first challenge, CSOs have to address the second more immediate one.

The role of the EC and the EU integration process on improving legal and financial framework for sustainable work and support to local philanthropy are two crucial areas which need to be further explored. CSOs need to work further on building capacities, accountability and transparency in the sector so that its image and credibility is not based on the low trust and bad public image created by cases of misuse and lack of transparency. Transparency and access to state budget resources and system of public financing of CSOs should be improved.