Europeanisation meets democracy from below: The Western Balkans on the search for new European and democratic Momentum
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 EUinstitutions, stakeholders, policy-makers, and citizens engaged in pro-democratic initiatives (local/regional/national)
WB2EU network:
The network consists of 17 renowned think-tanks, do-tanks, higher education institutes and policy centres from the countries that will be most decisive for the enlargement process in the upcoming years. Other than Foundation BFPE for a Responsible Society, members of the network are: Austrian Society for European Politics (ÖGfE), Austrian Institute for International Affairs (oiip), Cooperation and Development Institute (CDI), University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Political Sciences, Change Experts Group, Politikon Network (PIN), EUROTHINK – Center for European Strategies, New Bulgarian University, Centre for European Refugees, Migration and Ethnic Studies (CERMES), Institute for Development and International Relations (IRMO), EuropaNova, Institut für Europäische Politik (IEP), Department for Political Science & International Relations, University of the Peloponnese, Andrássy University, International Affairs Institute (IAI), GlobalFocus Center, University of Ljubljana – Centre of International Relations (CIR)
This post is also available in SRP.