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)

Learn More

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

Policy Briefs | Sep 29, 2023

Convergence of the Western Balkans towards the EU: from enlargement to cohesion

By: Ardian Hackaj
On the one hand, there is a gap between the six countries of the Western Balkans and their partners in the European Union, and on the other hand, the speed of their convergence towards the EU defines the pace of enlargement progress. All Western Balkan countries are engaged in reforms that are transforming their institutions, developing their economies, and improving the quality of life of their citizens. The EU, through its enlargement mechanism, is supporting them. But on their way to membership, their economies must grow quickly to catch up with their EU peers, and local infrastructure must be upgraded and extended. Domestic institutions should complete the reforms and also deliver on the rule of law, justice reform, the fight against corruption and organised crime, as well as security and fundamental rights. The author of this Policy Brief creates a methodological framework that links the local infrastructure, domestic institutions, and people, allowing us to understand the dynamics and complexity of sustainable and resilient development paths as well as identify entry points for the Western Balkans and EU policy-makers.

Policy Briefs | Aug 2, 2023

Citizens vs. Elites: Symbolic Battles Over the Uses of Political Crises in Bulgaria

By: Anna Krasteva
In the short period of two years, from 4 April 2021 to 2 April 2023, Bulgaria’s citizens were sent to the polls to vote in six elections: five snap general elections and one presidential election. Citizens are overwhelmed and exhausted. The exceptional has become the most constant: crisis, argues the author of this Policy Brief. The Policy Brief analyses the symbolic battles between elites and citizens for framing and dominating political crises and offers policy recommendations.

Policy Briefs | Jul 21, 2023

A missed opportunity? Civil society organisations in Greece and North Macedonia after the 2015 refugee crisis

By: Nikolaos Tzifakis, Anastasios Valvis
When the 2015 refugee crisis broke out, civil societies in Greece and North Macedonia were featuring similar structural weaknesses, such as a lack of professionalism and weak organisational capabilities. Since then they have benefitted from the availability of funding, among others from the European Union, and the interaction and collaboration with international non-profits and donors. Yet, so far they have failed to capitalise on these developments in order to substantially enhance their resilience and sustainability, argue the authors of this Policy Brief. Nevertheless, they consider that prospects for cooperation and joint endeavours do exist and should be investigated further in the future.

Policy Briefs | Jul 13, 2023

Civil society organisations and their “space” in backsliding democracies

By: Fanni Elek, Christina Griessler
Democratic governments are expected to engage with civil society organisations and give them the “space” they need to fulfil their roles in society. Due to their importance in supporting democratic transition, especially in EU candidate countries, the EU is providing them with Pre-accession funding. The authors of this Policy Brief focus on the role of civil society organisations in the two post-socialist countries of Hungary and Serbia by analysing the data provided by the Civil Society Organization Sustainability Index and offer policy recommendations.

Policy Briefs | Jul 6, 2023

The role of digitalisation in transforming Western Balkan societies

By: Petar Mrdović
In 2018, the European Commission launched the Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans, which supports the transition of the region into a digital economy and society, including higher economic growth, more employment opportunities, and better services. It focuses on lowering the cost of roaming, deploying broadband, building capacity in digital trust, and digitalising industries. The author of this Policy Brief explores the state of digitalisation in the Western Balkans, the role of the organisations involved in this transformation, and offers policy recommendations.

Policy Briefs | Jun 15, 2023

Civil society: a driver for democratisation from below in Serbia

By: Radomir Aleksić, Luka Milovanović, Mirjana Đorđević
A vibrant civil society contributes to fulfilling the conditions for EU membership. That is why the European Union promotes citizen participation in social and political life in candidate and potential candidate countries, monitors their policies towards their civil society bodies, and provides financial support from the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance, and especially the Civil Society Facility. "Democratisation from below" empowers citizens to participate in the political process and encourages individuals to be informed, voice their opinions, and take part in decision-making. The authors of this Policy Brief explore this concept as a bottom-up approach to democracy, emphasising the active role of citizens and civil society organisations in promoting and sustaining democratic values. Moreover, they provide specific examples from Serbia, showcasing the power of individual actions and initiatives to bring about positive change.

Policy Briefs | Jun 7, 2023

Environmental democracy in the Western Balkans between dependent capitalism and integration into the European Union

By: Nebojsa Vukadinovic
The Western Balkan region is facing a double transition: first, changing from centralised state-controlled systems to open and competitive markets, and second, moving towards decarbonisation. Both transitions are in line with the Green Agenda of the EU and are important pillars of its Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans. In this context, the author of this Policy Brief, analyses the consequences of dependent capitalism on the environment. Moreover, this Policy Brief questions the concept of environmental democracy in the Western Balkans and discusses how the enlargement process affects the consideration of environmental issues in public policies.

Policy Briefs | May 5, 2023

Emigration from Romania: impact and legacy

By: Andrei Tiut, Ana Maria Teacă
The European integration process and EU accession represent a turning point in Romanian emigration. Between 2001 and 2016, Romania’s emigrant population increased from 1.3 million to 3.6 million, or even 4 million. Almost 20% of the people born in Romania no longer live in the country but predominantly in Italy, Germany, and Spain. Emigrants leave Romania for shorter or longer periods of time in order to obtain better wages or to study. They send back remittances, and when they return, they bring new skills and attitudes. If Romania wants potential emigrants to remain and perhaps migrants to return, then it must become a more welcoming and inclusive country, conclude the authors of this Policy Brief. The authors analyse both the positive and negative consequences of migration, shift the focus to the future impact, and recommend that authorities, academia, and think-tanks work harder to better understand the new diaspora.

Policy Briefs | Apr 28, 2023

Kosovo’s youth: Overcoming challenges and creating opportunities

By: Fiona Kelmendi
Visa-free travel for Kosovo will start on 1 January 2024. The fact that Kosovars will be able to travel freely in the EU is not only a major benefit for the citizens of both sides but is also very important when advocating for youth empowerment in Kosovo. Over half of Kosovo’s population is under 30, whereas the current key indicators relating to human capital development are very low, with education outcomes being the most concerning. In order to give young people the tools to thrive, targeted interventions in the education system are urgently needed, as education is a key factor in individual empowerment. Against this background, the author of this Policy Brief discusses youth empowerment by addressing the main challenges in education and includes short-term as well as long-term policy recommendations for nurturing civic participation and building a progressive society that will lead Kosovo into the 21st century.