A Discussion Paper has been published as the first result of the international project “Addressing the Common Challenges to Democracy in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership”, in which WestBalkanNet (WBN) is participating along with its partners.
This document represents the first phase of the project and provides an analysis of the key challenges faced by democracies in the countries of the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership.
Key findings of the document:
• Weaknesses of Civil Society – Civil society organizations in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership countries face underfunding, limited institutional support, and public mistrust, undermining their ability to advocate for democratic reforms and build trust in political institutions.
• Rise of Nationalism and Populism – Growing populist and nationalist tendencies are deepening social divisions, undermining tolerance, and weakening democratic governance, posing a serious risk to democratic consolidation and regional stability.
• Geopolitical Pressures – The influence of Russia and China, as well as the positioning of the EU and NATO, create an uncertain geopolitical dynamic and a balancing act between opposing interests.
• Socio-economic Inequalities – Poverty, social inequalities, and the emigration of young professionals (brain drain) contribute to social tensions and further destabilize the region.
• Weak Institutions and Oligarchic Influence – Politicized judiciary, corruption, and the dominance of oligarchs create a system of impunity, in which political and business elites exploit state resources without legal consequences.
• Undermining Democratic Processes – Political elites and oligarchs systematically undermine democratic institutions, strengthening authoritarian tendencies and weakening democratic control mechanisms.
• Erosion of Media Freedoms – Threats to media freedom pose a serious challenge to democratic governance and public trust, with independent journalists and media outlets often being targets of political and economic pressures.
The next phase of the project involves the creation of a Position Paper, which will contain specific recommendations and will be presented in the European Parliament.
You can download the entire Discussion Paper below.
