Whether in government or in opposition, political parties in the Balkans are responsible for leading their countries to Europe and responding to ever-growing social and economic demands of the electorate. They need to articulate political visions of where they want to lead their societies, and produce and advocate for policies in pursuit of these visions. To succeed, parties in the region need exposure to their counterparts elsewhere in Europe in order to better understand contemporary political environments and policy trends as their countries advance toward European institutions, particularly the European Union.
Current Activities
Since 2005 and with funding from the National Endowment for Democracy, NDI has conducted a regional initiative to help parties in the Balkans clarify their political identities; define their values along contemporary Social Democratic, Liberal and Center-Right ideologies; and develop and communicate coherent policies consistent with European integration. NDI works with approximately 30 parties, and partners with British, Dutch, German, Greek and Swedish party foundations to convene regional seminars exploring policy formulation in economic and social affairs.
NDI supplements these regional policy conferences by fostering cross-border exchanges of women and youth members - demographics that are historically underrepresented in policymaking, guiding parties in self-assessments of current capacities and potential for growth, and by compiling a virtual policy resource library.
- Youth leaders declaration from Belgrade Summit seeks regional cooperation and peace»
- Women Social Democrats of Southeastern Europe reach across borders for shared goals»
- NDI hosts roundtable on gender politics in the Western Balkans»
Through the initiative, political parties have strengthened their internal structures and initiated internal reforms. Party leaders have refined their understanding of what it means to espouse a center-right, liberal, or social democratic ideology, and have forged durable networks. Croatia’s People’s Party and Social Democratic Party mentored their respective Kosovar counterparts, the New Kosovo Alliance (AKR) and Reform Party Ora, on campaign strategy in advance of Kosovo’s 2009 local elections. Participants from the Socialist Movement for Integration in Albania and the Democratic Party in Serbia pursued bilateral projects regarding the creation of women business incubators and government subsidized credit lines, intended to encourage women entrepreneurship.
The Initiative has also contributed to stronger cross-party networking. Following an NDI gathering, members of the Liberal Network of Southeastern Europe (LIBSEEN) collaborated on a joint statement advocating for liberalization of European Union (EU) visa policy for citizens of Balkan countries, and have endorsed the creation of a regional customs union. Through a NDI gathering in Macedonia, center-right youth leaders of 12 parties in the region have taken steps to form a network.
- Center-Right political party youth leaders gather from across the Balkans to form political network»
Contact Information
For more information about these programs, use our contact form or contact:
Pristina
Ana Radicevic, Program Officer
+381 38 220 765
Washington, D.C.
Natalie Hill, Senior Program Assistant
(202) 728-5480
Pictured above: President Behgjet Pacolli of Kosovo's AKR party and Croatian People's Party President Vesna Pusic address leaders of Liberal parties in southeastern Europe at a gathering convened with NDI support. Pusic heads the Libseen network of regional Liberal parties that cooperates with NDI.
