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Advancing democracy in the western Balkans is essential to its post-conflict stabilization and the region’s integration into Europe. The countries of former Yugoslavia and Albania have the institutional capital and human talent — along with the incentive of joining the European Union — to make their democratic systems genuine and lasting. Dialogue among countries in the region is growing, but each faces domestic challenges that impede democratic reform and slow European integration: institutional deficits, such as inadequate separation of government power; political deficits, as seen in ethnic division and party-based polarization; and accountability deficits that protect private gain at the expense of the public interest. Political institutions are maturing but still need external support to reduce these deficits. | Read More »
Albania
NDI promotes political leadership, citizen participation and political party reform in Albania, particularly through working with emerging women political leaders. | Read more »
Bosnia
The country’s political parties, civil society, and legislatures are beginning to shape the public debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s controversial issues along more constructive lines. | Read more »
Kosovo
Kosovo’s declaration of independence has placed a larger onus of responsibility on its domestic governing institutions. | Read more »
Macedonia
Macedonia has made considerable progress in reforming democratic institutions for more equitable representation of ethnic minorities, good governance practices, and improved constituency relations. | Read more »
Montenegro
With the country firmly oriented toward Euro-Atlantic integration, Montenegro is moving forward in its democratic transition with clarity and purpose. | Read more »
Serbia
As Serbia looks toward entering the Euro-Atlantic community, institutional development, legislative reform and increased inclusion of the country’s diverse population in the political process remain essential to its democratic transition. | Read more »
Regional Parliamentary Initiative
Parliaments in the Western Balkans learn from each other and their neighbors as they transition to democracy and European integration. | Read more »
Regional Political Party Initiative
Taking steps toward ideological clarity and more representative policy is the greatest development challenge for political parties in southeastern Europe. | Read more »
Roma Political Participation Initiative
Active political participation offers the best way for Roma to improve their social status and material conditions. | Read more »
Regional Youth Tolerance
The Institute works with Albanian, Romani, and Serb youth in order to help them overcome ethnic divisions by working together to address local problems. | Read more »
