ABOUT THE PROJECT 
The mission of Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans (OSF-WB) is to foster open societies by strategically engaging with key European and regional priorities. Through targeted interventions, OSF-WB aims to create a dynamic connection between governments and citizens, driving a unified regional agenda focused on prosperity, accountability, and inclusive growth. To advance this mission, OSF-WB, in collaboration with the ERSTE Foundation, is organizing a series of events to bring together experts from the Western Balkans. These gatherings aim to explore potential paths for regional progress, encouraging a shift from passive observation to active participation in shaping a prosperous and resilient future.

LOCAL IMPACT
The project “Catalyzing Regional Change: What Does Hope Look Like in the Balkans?” fosters early coalitions at the local level by bringing together diverse stakeholders from the Western Balkans. It creates a space for inclusive dialogue, empowering local actors to identify and implement practical solutions tailored to their needs. This initiative focuses on sustainable economic development and strengthening democratic governance by leveraging local expertise and existing policy frameworks.

REGIONAL IMPACT
At the regional level, this project facilitates collaboration among participants to develop a unified vision for the Western Balkans’ future. By sharing best practices, fostering trust, and building cross-border networks, the initiative aims to enhance regional cooperation and advocate for the region’s interests within the broader European context.

PROGRESS TO DATE
The first key event under the project gathered participants from across the region and beyond to discuss the complex geopolitical shifts affecting Europe and the Western Balkans. Discussions centered around the question: What does hope look like for the Balkans? Participants explored how the region can move from passive observation to active involvement in shaping a prosperous future, using its internal resources and capacities to build resilience and self-sufficiency.

The second round of activities included a series of events during the European Forum Alpbach (EFA) 2024 through three key initiatives. These included a Lab, an in-depth workshop co-organized with ERSTE Foundation aimed at addressing significant regional challenges, and a Chat, a high-level panel discussion also co-organized with ERSTE Foundation, which provided a platform for critical dialogue among influential leaders. Additionally, a strategic Networking Event was designed to cultivate valuable connections among key stakeholders. Every effort was thoughtfully crafted to build or strengthen the bridges necessary for advancing growth in the region.

Lab: “FutureCrafting the Balkans: From Hope to Action”: This initiative aimed to drive progress towards a green, knowledge-based economy and stronger democratic governance through regional collaboration. Over 30 participants from civil society, academia, and business sectors came together for an intense 1.5-day session. They tackled the challenge of how various sectors can work together to retain and develop talent in the Western Balkans, supporting a shift towards sustainable and innovative economies and better governance. The session also provided a space for brainstorming on how to invest in labor capacity and engage citizens in driving change.

Chat: “Hip Hope – Reimagining the Future in the Balkans”: Tied to the “Moment of Truth” theme of EFA 2024, this chat addressed the stagnation in the Western Balkans and the need for fresh perspectives to move beyond traditional diplomatic limits. The panel aimed to foster a new era of prosperity in the region, emphasizing the boldness required to support one another in achieving meaningful advancements. Speakers included Erion Veliaj, Mayor of Tirana; Nika Kovač, Founding Director of the 8th of March Research Institute; Miroslav Lajčák, EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue; and Milica Delević, Director for Governance and Political Affairs at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The discussion was moderated by Ivan Vejvoda, Permanent Fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM).

Networking Event: “Balkans Convene: Pathways to Progress”: In this evening event, a diverse group of thinkers and visionaries from across Europe and beyond came together to network and share ideas, wrapping up a series of deep discussions on the Western Balkans at EFA. Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Andi Dobrushi, Director of OSF-WB; H.E. Vjosa Osmani, President of Kosovo; H.E. Jakov Milatović, President of Montenegro; and Mr. Andreas Treichl, President of the European Forum Alpbach. The event emphasized the strong commitment to driving progress in the region and the intention to build on the momentum created in Alpbach.