First Approach to Identifying the Common Challenges to Democracy in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership Countries | Discussion Paper
Forum 2000 Foundation
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
~ Civil society in the Western Balkans, as well as in the Eastern Partnership countries, has been weakened by underfunding, limited institutional support, and public mistrust, undermining its ability to advocate for democratic reforms and build trust in political institutions.
~ The rise of nationalism and populism is deepening societal divisions, undermining tolerance, and weakening democratic governance, posing a significant threat to democratic consolidation and regional stability.
~ Geopolitical pressures from Russia and China, as well as the EU and NATO, are creating a precarious tug-of-war.
~ Inequality, poverty, and brain drain contribute to societal tensions, making these regions more volatile.
~ Weak institutions, politicized judiciaries, and oligarchic influence perpetuate a culture of impunity where political elites and business leaders exploit state resources without consequence.
~ The systematic undermining of democratic processes and institutional integrity by political elites and oligarchic networks entrenches authoritarian tendencies.
~ The erosion of media freedom represents a severe threat to democratic governance and public trust.
INTRODUCTION
The Eastern Partnership (EaP) and Western Balkans (WB) regions are at an uncomfortable crossroads between democracy and autocracy. They share enduring structural challenges such as rule of law, economic regression, and ethnic tensions. The regions face security challenges, with external actors being both drivers of security and insecurity. These challenges are intertwined with each region’s unique historical, political, and cultural contexts.
The WB and EaP play a significant role in Europe’s geopolitical landscape, impacting security, stability, energy, and economic interests. Given their sensitive geopolitical location, ensuring stability in these regions is crucial for preventing the spread of conflicts and promoting peace in Europe.
However, when addressing these regions, European Union institutions and democracy support organizations work with them in an isolated way. They usually have specific areas to deal with the Western Balkans and others to deal with the EaP, sometimes even separating the regions geographically (Caucasus, Eastern Europe, Western Balkans, etc.). The project “Addressing the Common Challenges to Democracy in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership,” supported by the International Visegrad Fund (IVF), seeks to identify
the common trends and difficulties faced in both regions.
This discussion paper aims to highlight some of the common challenges faced by the regions, providing a foundation for understanding how local and international democratic civil society can play a role in addressing these issues. This perspective represents an added value of the project. Rather than examining these challenges solely through the lens of public policy, the focus will be on civil society’s viewpoint, seeking to answer the question: “What actions can civil society organizations in these regions take to enhance their effectiveness and impact in strengthening democratic resilience and governance in their respective countries?”
Download: https://www.forum2000.cz/files/western-balkans-paper-5.pdf
