Vienna, February 26-27, 2024 – The Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans (OSF-WB), in collaboration with the ERSTE Foundation, hosted a catalytic workshop aimed at encouraging ideas and pathways that reflect a spark of optimism for the region’s present and future.

Focusing on the critical question, “What are the next steps necessary to boost progress in the region?” twenty-three regional experts came together to identify five key criteria essential for nurturing hope: democratization, EU accession and membership, the rule of law, digitalization, and freedom of speech and media.

These criteria inspired impactful solutions, excellent ideas, and meaningful dialogue, laying a solid foundation for the themes and discussions that took place during the European Forum Alpbach 2024.

The workshop sent a clear message: by working together on shared goals, the Balkans can drive meaningful change and build a pathway to lasting progress and resilience.