Fostering inclusive partnerships in the Western Balkans

▪ Progress in regional cooperation: Over the past two decades, Western Balkan countries have advanced cooperation, driven by European Union integration goals and the need for stability, economic growth, and post-conflict reconciliation. This is supported by initiatives like the Berlin Process and the Common Regional Market.

▪ Ongoing challenges: Bilateral disputes, political instability, limited trust, ethnic divisions, contested statehood, and uneven democratic progress continue to slow reforms and hinder regional integration.

▪ EU accession as a key driver: The European Union accession process remains cen-tral to reform, with reconciliation, good-neighborly relations, and sustained cooperation essential for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Serbia.

Direct beneficiaries: Civil society and grassroots organizations, independent me-dia, academia, youth organizations, women-led initiatives, minority associations, and lo-cal governments in Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North-Macedonia and Serbia (the Western Balkans 6).

Indirect beneficiaries: Broader population across the Western Balkans, benefiting from improved regional cooperation, inclusive pol-icy approaches, and strengthened reconcili-ation processes.

Outcome 1: Grants and targeted technical support focused on measurable value adapted to an evolving regional context.

Outcome 2: Convening, regular & frequent opportunities for civil society champions across the region to meet, dialogue share, advocate & learn – and those who might become champions.

Outcome 3: Information exchange hub providing a home for essential information & learning about funding, partnership opportunities & networking.

Risultati principali attesi:  

▪ Establishment of dedicated funding mechanisms: The organization establishes a Gender Equality Fund, mobility grants, and matching grants with structured mechanisms that fully integrate gender equality and social inclusion principles.

▪ Thematic and donor-responsive grant schemes: The organization designs and implements thematic grant schemes tailored to donor priorities, target groups, and regional needs.

▪ Capacity strengthening of civil society actors: Up to 100 civil society organizations and local actors receive tailored training, strengthening gender equality, social inclusion, and organizational capacities.

▪ Visibility, learning, and advocacy products: Success stories, analytical reports, advocacy materials, and regional forums are produced to increase awareness and societal support for regional cooperation.

▪ Institutional strengthening and sustainability: Internal systems, resource mobilization capacities, and gender-responsive knowledge-sharing platforms are strengthened, positioning the organization as a resilient regional hub for cooperation.

Risultati fasi precedenti:  

▪ Institutional strengthening: Swiss support strengthened Western Balkans Fund’s Secretariat, while core contribution enhanced organizational ownership and sustainability.

▪ Diversified grant mechanisms: The portfolio expanded to several grant modalities.

▪ Establishment of networks between 3,500 CSOs, educational and research institutions, cultural and sports associations, businesses, and local governing bodies across the region and over 8,000 individuals.

▪ Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning: Log-frames and reporting templates were introduced; however, the monitoring system remains complex and insufficiently streamlined.

▪ Policy dialogue and advocacy: Western Balkans Fund expanded engagement in policy advocacy and thematic workshops, strengthening its credibility beyond grantmaking.

▪ Communication: Communication guidelines were developed, but efforts remain focused primarily on visibility rather than on demonstrating impact and learning.