ERA - LGBTI Equal Rights Association

We took active part in the regional training for judicial officials, lawyers and civil society organisations, held in Petrovac, Montenegro, from 7–9 May 2026.

These actors have the power to influence how justice works for LGBTIQ+ people across the Western Balkans, through court practice, legal interpretation, institutional response and cooperation with civil society. 

Danijel Kalezić, ERA’s Executive Director, co-opened the event and facilitated the formation of a non-formal regional judiciary network for exchange, cooperation and future joint action.

Elena Petrovska, ERA’s Project and Advocacy Coordinator, led an interactive session on the legal status of transgender people and same-s*x unions in the region, focusing on legal gaps, existing practices and institutional responsibility.

Stronger legal protection starts with informed institutions, responsible practice and meaningful cooperation with civil society.

We thank everyone who remains committed to the rule of law, equality and access to justice.

The regional consultative meeting was organised within the programme “Together for LGBTQI+ Equality”, implemented by CCE in partnership with ERA – LGBTI Equal Rights Association for the Western Balkans and Turkey, Q***r Montenegro, the Q***r Centre from Skopje, the Tuzla Open Centre (TOC), OMSA from Albania, and the Centre for the Development of Social Groups from Kosovo, with the financial support of the European Commission and co-financing from the Ministry of Regional-Investment Development and Cooperation with Non-Governmental Organizations.

Europe for all of us.

is a reminder of the values that should guide our shared future: dignity, freedom, equality, democracy, and human rights.

For LGBTIQ+ people across the Western Balkans and Türkiye, these values must be more than words. They must mean safety, protection, visibility, and the freedom to live openly.

A European future must include all of us.

No European future without + equality.