The overall objective of the project is to assess the extent of reforms derived from the Berlin process and their contribution to increased regional cooperation and improved policy-making in the Western Balkans. Whereas, the specific objectives are: 1) assess the effects of the Berlin process over the six Western Balkans countries in regard to the EU integration process, regional cooperation, and progress made in the relevant spheres; 2) conduct monitoring activities regarding RYCO, bilateral disputes, and the connectivity agenda; 3) advocate for structural inclusion of CSOs in the policy-making process on a national and regional level in the Western Balkan countries.
Expected results from the project:
- Result 1: Regional policy paper, on the implementation of the commitments made by governments of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia with regards to youth cooperation, infrastructural connectivity and resolution of bilateral disputes. The participation of civil society in this field will be researched in detail as well. The policy paper will include targeted policy recommendations.
- Result 2: Regional policy paper, containing assessment of the effects of the Berlin process in the western Balkan region concerning the EU integration process and regional cooperation between countries. The policy paper will include targeted policy recommendations.
- Result 3: Three advocacy events with relevant stakeholders, based on the project recommendations, will be organized in three Western Balkan countries.
Donor organisation: European Fund for the Balkans;
Project partners: European Policy HUB, informal network of researchers from WB countries
Timeframe: January 2017 – December 2017
Budget: €24.984
The project will be implemented in a 4-phase process (preparatory phase, policy research phase, policy advocacy phase and monitoring and evaluation of the project impact)
Key target audiences of the project involve: 1) Governments of Western Balkan countries as well as Governments of EU Member States involved in the Berlin process; 2) Civil society organizations from the Western Balkan that are focused on EU integration process, regional cooperation, and youth participation; 3) South East European regional organisations; and 4) EU institutions dealing with enlargement policy and dealing with enlargement countries in the areas covered by the Berlin process.