Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership

Addressing the common challenges to democracy in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership 

As it was presented in the 8 Challenges for Democracy in the Western Balkans (2023, Forum 2000), “Traditional advocacy-type Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) played a key role in promoting democratic reforms and leading most of the countries of Eastern Europe closer to the EU. Yet they are now facing serious challenges". For different reasons, CSOs in the WB and EaP face similar challenges when trying to promote democratic resilience and governance in their regions. 

This project will work with civil society organizations from Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership, with support of V4 countries, to identify the challenges they have to become real actors of democratic resilience and change in their regions. This might entail identifying different strategies, messaging and networking with local and international stakeholders. The project will ultimately delineate recommendations for the European Union entities, international organizations and donors to better acknowledge the challenges and transformation CSOs need in the regions.  

We are grateful for the financial support from the International Visegrad Fund as well as for the commitment of the following partners to participate in this project.