The project’s main objective is to explore and visualize the institutional and structural factors contributing to the resilience of a state’s rule of law in EU accession candidates from the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe, with a focus on comparative analysis. The project employs an interdisciplinary approach, integrating political science, law, history, and European studies to develop the RESILIO-ACCESS model and monitor. The key ambition of the project is to assess and strengthen the rule of law resilience in these regions, drawing on both academic literature and institutional practices. The project’s work plan builds on several specific objectives:
- Develop and apply the RESILIO-ACCESS model for assessing the rule of law resilience in EU accession countries.
- Establish a network of young academics and experts from political science, law, history, and European studies to contribute to research and disseminate outcomes.
- Map and evaluate the EU enlargement toolkit concerning the rule of law, focusing on the Western Balkans and Eastern Neighborhood countries.
- Strengthen civil society resilience by organizing two Civil Society Forums (CSFs) to bring together CSOs from accession countries, Turkey, and Germany to share best practices, exchange training, and discuss strategies for improving the EU enlargement toolkit from the perspective of local civil society.
- Create a platform for networking and collaboration between civil society organizations from accession countries, Berlin, and Brussels.
- Strategically communicate research findings to policymakers, administrators, and other stakeholders through a user-friendly visualization tool, a comprehensive report, and a policy paper with actionable recommendations.
- Present the results and engage stakeholders through a public closing conference in Brussels, bringing together rule of law experts, EU decision-makers, and representatives from the accession countries.
IDSCS will actively contribute to the execution of the project, working closely with local and international experts and stakeholders, and coordinating the virtual workshops, CSF events, and dissemination activities.
Duration: 01.01.2025 – 31.12.2026
Budget: 83.400,00 EUR