Global State of Democracy findings for the Western Balkans: What is on the horizon?

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International IDEA recognizes the importance of invigorating democracy in the Western Balkans as a strategic and indispensable precondition for consolidated stability, peace and democracy in Europe. Monitoring the state of democracy and assessing whether the region’s countries are headed in the right direction are key to gauging the overall picture of EU enlargement as well. Capturing these dynamics is crucial for a holistic view of current and future challenges in Europe, as well as prospects for democratic renewal in the region.  

In this context, International IDEA presents a panel discussion on the latest Global State of Democracy (GSoD) Indices findings on the six countries in the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia), focusing on the implications for the future of democracy in the region, lessons learned and potential good examples. 

While these findings help shed light on the main attributes of democracy, the data gains more meaning and could be further complemented through the addition of on-the-ground knowledge of relevant civil society experts.  

OPENING REMARKS 

• Mr Sam van der Staak, Head of International IDEA's Regional Europe Programme 

• Dr Giulio Venneri, Team leader, Rule of law and Democracy Team, DG NEAR 

PRESENTATION  

Findings of the Global State of Democracy (GSoD) 2022: Forging social contracts in a time of discontent and introduction of the GSoD Indices and Democracy Tracker 

• Mr Alberto Fernandez Gibaja, Senior Programme Officer at International IDEA’s Democracy Assessment team 

PRESENTATION  

Main Global State of Democracy findings for the Western Balkans 

• Ms Gentiana Gola, Programme Officer at International IDEA’s Democracy Assessment team 

PANEL DISCUSSION 

Global State of Democracy findings for the Western Balkans: What is on the horizon?  

• Ms Aleksandra Tomanić, Executive Director of the European Fund for the Balkans 

• Mr Demush Shasha, Executive Director, European Policy Institute of Kosovo 

• Mr Gjergji Vurmo, Programme Director, Institute for Democracy and Mediation, Albania 

• Dr Simonida Kacarska, Director, European Policy Institute, North Macedonia 

Moderator: Ms Blerta Hoxha, Programme Officer within International IDEA’s Regional Europe Programme.  

DISCUSSION AND QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE 

CLOSING REMARKS AND CONCLUSIONS