Europeanisation meets democracy from below: The Western Balkans on the search for new European and democratic Momentum (WB2EU)

Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Networks Project (621247-EPP-1-2020-1-AT-EPPJMO-NETWORK)

The next few years will be decisive for the democratic and European future of the Western Balkans.
In addition to a credible enlargement perspective and a positive enlargement narrative, which needs to be reinvented and reinvigorated, it is vital to support rule of law, civil dialogue, pluralism and the fight against corruption as well as the social dimension. It is crucial to invest more in social inclusion, to support the broad vision of just and democratic societies, which needs to include various bottom-up initiatives and actors.

Our “WB2EU network” will activate / connect / research / disseminate and create joint output on the defined topics by bringing together academia, civil society and relevant stakeholders on national, regional and EU level.

Key points:

reform, consolidate and reenergise EU Enlargement until 2025 and beyond
mobilise, support and engage with progressive and emancipatory forces from below (movements, citizens, local initiatives) that are truly European and pro-democratic
enhance youth and alternative voices and forces in the society
strengthen social dimension, rule of law and justice in the region
connect young and senior researchers, scholars, representatives of civil society, national and EU institutions, stakeholders, policy-makers, and citizens engaged in pro-democratic initiatives (local/regional/national)

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PROJECT PARTNERS / WB2EU Network

PROJECT INITIATORS

Austria
Austria

Austrian Society for European Politics (ÖGfE), Vienna (Coordinator & Project Leader)
Austrian Institute for International Affairs (oiip), Vienna

WESTERN BALKAN COUNTRIES:

Albania
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Kosovo
Montenegro
North Macedonia
Serbia

Cooperation and Development Institute (CDI), Tirana
University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Political Sciences
Change Experts Group, Pristina
Politikon Network (PIN), Podgorica
EUROTHINK – Center for European Strategies, Skopje
Foundation BFPE for a Responsible Society, Belgrade

EU MEMBER COUNTRIES:

Bulgaria
Croatia
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Italy
Romania
Slovenia

New Bulgarian University, Centre for European Refugees, Migration and Ethnic Studies (CERMES), Sofia
Institute for Development and International Relations (IRMO), Zagreb
EuropaNova, Paris
Institut für Europäische Politik (IEP), Berlin
Department for Political Science & International Relations, University of the Peloponnese, Corinth
Andrássy University, Budapest
International Affairs Institute (IAI), Rome
GlobalFocus Center, Bucharest
Centre of International Relations (CIR) – University of Ljubljana

This project is co-funded by the European Commission under its Erasmus+ Jean Monnet programme.

Erasmus+ Platform

Project One Pager

Contact

Susan-Milford-Faber

CONTACT

WB2EU

Publication | Jan 19, 2024

WB2EU Final Report

Despite 15 contributions by the WB2EU Network members, it comprises selected op-eds by the WB2EU Network and the Network’s Next Generation Summer School participants. In addition, one article describes the WB2EU project, the WB2EU Network and another one outlines the results and highlights of the project.

Cres Summer School | Dec 27, 2023

Vision Western Balkans 2030 – Europeanisation meets democracy

Cres Summer School | Dec 1, 2023

Towards a more equal and democratic Europe (Op-ed European Western Balkans)

What we want is a Europe where everyone is equal. A community that puts EU enlargement, youth participation, and gender equality at the center of the discussion about the future of our common European home.

Policy Briefs | Oct 28, 2023

Media and minorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina: a path towards an inclusive and democratic society

By: Sarina Bakić
The author of this Policy Brief presents a broader overview of some of the most significant aspects regarding the role of media in building democracy in terms of the reinforcement and affirmation of minorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, whether as a result of ethnic background, religious belief, sexual orientation, geographic location, income level, etc. Once the mentioned media’s support and affirmation of minorities is accomplished, such groups can effusively participate in and contribute to this country's institutions and society in general. This is an attempt to revive and reconsider the issue related to minority cultural identities and communication via media in the context of the democratisation process in general. It is very much needed to open new discussions related to media and democracy due to the current global political crisis that is reflecting in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s media sphere as well.

Policy Briefs | Oct 28, 2023

Rebuilding democracy from below: A case for local communities in Montenegro

By: Nikola Mumin, Marija Popović Kalezić
Montenegro has been experiencing a crisis in democracy for several years now. The authors of this Policy Brief explore the role that local communities (LCs) have and/or can have within the context of democratic elections, democratic governing, and institutional reforms in Montenegro. Against this background, they recommend that the democratic potential that lies in local communities, as legally defined governing bodies, needs to be utilised in order to address the ongoing crisis of democratic governing in Montenegro and help the country accelerate key reforms in the EU accession process.

Opinion | Oct 27, 2023

Paul Schmidt: EU integration process is always the art of compromise (EWB Interview)

After two years of blockade, EU member states during July reached a consensus on opening negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania. Ukraine and Moldova became candidate countries for membership in the European Union. Many believe that the war in Ukraine has returned the focus of the member states to the enlargement process.

Policy Briefs | Oct 27, 2023

Tackling the local beyond partisan politics. Can independent lists in North Macedonia boost local democracy?

By: Isak Missini, Dimitar Nikolovski
At the local elections of 2021 in North Macedonia, eight independent groups with green politics ran for municipal councillors. The relative successes and failures of the two most visible groups “Green Humane City” and “Chance for Centar” point to a public interest in solutions beyond partisan politics but also to certain shortcomings in terms of cooperation, transparency, and strategic communications. Against this background, the authors of this Policy Brief analyse their work in the Skopje municipality of Centar and give policy recommendations on their internal functioning, forming strategic coalitions, and communication with various stakeholders.

Policy Briefs | Oct 27, 2023

How to support democratisation in the Western Balkans?

By: Dominic Maugeais
The author of this Policy Brief claims that the EU pre-accession process in the Western Balkans needs stronger political support for democratisation by the European Union (EU) and its member states. Only progress on the democratisation path can lead to a successful and sustainable transformation of the EU candidate countries. Once EU accession negotiations are opened, the EU should keep its monitoring and involvement at a high level, since as long as the accession perspective is not underlined with a realistic accession date, the processes are becoming a bureaucratic window dressing exercise.

Policy Briefs | Oct 25, 2023

Kosovo: democratising democracy

By: Venera Hajrullahu, Taulant Hoxha, Dren Puka
When Kosovo was preparing to declare its independence in 2008, it was facing a unique challenge and opportunity: pursuing internal reforms for national state building while simultaneously putting itself on a path of Europeanisation. The internal reforms aimed at transforming the country into a future EU member state. Despite significant progress in democratic indicators, Kosovo still has a long way to go before realising its full potential for inclusive policy and decision-making, argue the authors of this Policy Brief. Against this background, they analyse standards for public participation as a formal opportunity for engagement in decision-making and civil society as an effective tool for channelling citizens’ needs and voices.