On 12.12.2024, the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina in cooperation with Network of Progressive Initiatives hosted a conference titled “A Decade of the Berlin Process: Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead,” bringing together parliamentarians from the Western Balkans, representatives of international organizations, and key stakeholders involved in regional cooperation.
In his opening remarks, Member of Parliament Jasmin Emrić highlighted the Berlin Process as a cornerstone for strengthening stability and collaboration across the region: “This conference reaffirms that neither dialogue nor the European path has an alternative for us. We must seize this opportunity to further enhance regional cooperation and ensure that our countries become part of the single European market.”
Fellow Member of Parliament Šemsudin Mehmedović emphasized the critical role of parliamentarians in shaping regional policies: “It is our responsibility to promote democratic values and ensure transparent dialogue. This event provides a platform to reaffirm our commitment to regional cooperation and chart steps forward for advancing the Berlin Process.”
Adding to the opening remarks, Ms. Anida Šabanović, Program Manager at the Network of Progressive Initiatives BiH, reflected on the broader significance of regional parliamentary cooperation: “Together, we have strived to elevate the role of parliamentary diplomacy as a key tool in building trust, fostering dialogue, and aligning our efforts toward shared goals.”
Panel Discussions on Progress and Future Priorities
Morning Session: “International Perspectives: Berlin Process Progress and Future Goals”
Key speakers included:
Ms. Danijela Gačević, Acting Director of the CEFTA Secretariat, who emphasized the progress made under the Common Regional Market and outlined goals for enhanced trade and mobility integration.
Mr. Amer Kapetanović, designated Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), who reflected on fostering trust among regional actors and advancing the Green Agenda.
Mr. Stefano Ellero, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the EU to Bosnia and Herzegovina, who stressed the EU’s commitment to supporting regional development.
Moderated by Ms. Hata Kujraković, this session tackled major achievements and persistent challenges.
Conclusions from the First Panel:
The Common Regional Market (CRM) has been instrumental in strengthening trade and economic cooperation in the Western Balkans. However, reducing non-tariff barriers and improving policy alignment remain priorities.
The Green Agenda for the Western Balkans is a vital step towards climate-neutrality by 2050, but its implementation requires overcoming political fragmentation, limited resources, and insufficient investments in climate resilience.
Enhanced collaboration with the EU, particularly through targeted funding and policy support, is essential to address integration disparities and ensure the full implementation of regional commitments like the CRM and Green Agenda.
The RCC and CEFTA Secretariat emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum by focusing on inclusive policies that support both governments and local communities.
Afternoon Session: “Western Balkans at a Decade of the Berlin Process: Lessons Learned and Next Steps”
Parliamentarians from the Western Balkans discussed legislative reforms, trust-building initiatives, and the alignment of national priorities with EU standards. Speakers included:
Mr. Kreshnik Çollaku, Member of Parliament, Albania
Ms. Ermina Salkičević-Dizdarević, Member of Parliament, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mr. Jovan Subotić, Member of Parliament, Montenegro
Mr. Agon Batusha, Member of Parliament, Kosovo
This session was moderated by Ms. Juljana Bilbilaj, Project Manager at the Institute for Political Studies.
Conclusions from the Second Panel:
Economic Integration: Panelists highlighted the critical importance of regional economic integration to enhance access to both regional and EU markets.
SEPA System Access: Ms. Ermina Salkičević-Dizdarević emphasized the benefits of joining the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), which could reduce transaction costs for businesses and individuals, including the Bosnian diaspora, by up to six times. SEPA would also strengthen oversight in areas such as anti-money laundering, cash flow management, and tax evasion prevention.
Environmental Competitiveness: Addressing the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) was identified as a pressing issue.
Broad Benefits for Citizens: Discussions underscored that regional cooperation under the Berlin Process offers tangible benefits for citizens, from economic growth to better governance and increased mobility.
Conference Organizers and Goals
The event was organized by the Network of Progressive Initiatives in cooperation with the Institute for Democracy “Societas Civilis” and regional partners. It is part of the project “Parliamentary Diplomacy: Regional Cooperation Through Enhanced Parliamentary Dialogue,” funded by the German Federal Foreign Office.
Concluding the conference, organizers and participants expressed their hope that the outcomes would serve as a foundation for concrete steps to advance regional cooperation and the integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union.
The first Regional Youth Policy Lab, dedicated to exploring the Youth Guarantee initiative, was held on November 11, 2024, gathering participants from across the Western Balkans. The event, hosted via Zoom, marked the first step in a collaborative effort to strengthen youth participation in employment and policy development.
Organized under the framework of the “Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe – RYDE” project, supported by the European Union, the session was facilitated by the Network of Progressive Initiative from Sarajevo, partner organisation on the RYDE project. This initiative aims to improve dialogue between youth and institutions, foster engagement, and co-create actionable recommendations for public policies.
Highlights of the Session
The session opened with remarks from Anida Šabanović, RYDE project Project Coordinator from the Network of Progressive Initiatives (BiH), who introduced the goals and vision of the RYDE project.
Participants were then welcomed by Amela Hrasnica, Communication Manager from Europe House, who also facilitated the session.
Key presentations included:
Findings from the Comparative Analysis of Youth Policies in the Western Balkans, delivered by Hata Kujraković, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities for youth in employment across the region.
A roundtable discussion engaging participants in dynamic debates about ways to enhance youth employment opportunities, focusing on the implementation of the Youth Guarantee framework.
The session concluded with actionable recommendations and next steps, emphasizing the importance of national and regional collaboration to address youth unemployment.
Next Steps
Building on the insights from this regional session, the first National Youth Policy Lab will be held live in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Sarajevo) on November 19, 2024. Participants will delve deeper into local challenges and develop targeted recommendations for institutions.
We extend our gratitude to all participants, speakers, and facilitators for their contributions to this meaningful dialogue. Together, we are fostering a platform for youth to shape policies that impact their future.
Stay tuned for updates and outcomes from the upcoming National Youth Policy Labs!
The Comparative Analysis of Youth Policies in the Western Balkans aims to provide a comprehensive review of youth-related public policy documents from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia such as strategies, action plans, and laws.
The Analysis is focused on three key areas identified as particularly relevant to youth in the WB context:
Socio-economic field: employment, education, and sexual and reproductive health of youth
Youth participation: civic and political engagement, social inclusion, and the involvement of youth in decision-making processes
Media, culture and the digital world: youth media and digital literacy, critical thinking, youth participation in creating inclusive cultural policies
By integrating youth perspectives into all stages of policy development and implementation, the Analysis aims to ensure that youth voices are not just heard but are central to shaping the future of the region. This document formulated actionable recommendations intended for discussion among policy makers, CSOs, national youth councils, youth organizations, political party youth forums, and experts during the policy lab dialogue sessions. The policy labs aim to improve the dialogue between young people and representatives of institutions, contribute to strengthening the engagement of young people in political, social, and economic processes and cultural life, and jointly discuss the recommendations for improving public policies relevant to young people in the region.
We have to join our efforts and try to find a solution to motivate young people to participate in political and social processes and to improve the framework that enables them to do so!
The Comparative Analysis of Youth Policies in the Western Balkans was conducted within the framework of the Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe (RYDE) project funded by the European Union and led by the Center for Democracy Foundation from Serbia, in collaboration with partnering civil society organizations from across the Western Balkans: the Academy of European Integrations and Negotiations (Albania), Youth Act Center (Albania), Kosovar Stability Initiative (Kosovo*1), Network of Progressive Initiatives (Bosnia and Herzegovina), NGO Info Center Foundation (North Macedonia), and the Regional Academy for Democratic Development (Serbia).
We are pleased to announce a great opportunity for 5 young people from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, North Macedonia and Serbia to attend a paid internship in civil society organizations from Western Balkans.
If you are a young person who wish to gain firsthand experience in civil society in Belgrade, Pristina, Tirana or Skopje in a period of two months, learn about European integration, contribute to youth participation and structured dialogue and connect with young people from the region, apply for internship at this link.
Deadline for submitting applications is 29 October 2024.
More information about the Call and who can apply can be found here
Project: Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe (RYDE)
The Western Balkans, a region known for its complex socio-political history, is currently navigating a crucial period of transformation as it moves towards greater European integration. However, amidst the modernization processes, there are significant attempts to retraditionalize gender roles. These efforts often stem from conservative and nationalist movements that advocate for a return to patriarchal norms. In this blog, the dynamics of this retraditionalization trend is explored across the six Western Balkan countries—Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia—and the importance of countering these attempts to ensure continued progress on gender equality is discussed.
The Rise of Retraditionalization in the Western Balkans
In many parts of the Western Balkans, efforts to retraditionalize gender roles are gaining traction. These efforts are often driven by political and religious leaders who promote traditional gender norms as part of national identity and cultural heritage. Such norms typically emphasize women’s roles as caregivers, mothers, and homemakers, relegating them to the private sphere while men dominate the public space as breadwinners and leaders.
The push towards retraditionalization in the region is closely linked to broader political movements that focus on nationalism, religion, and conservative values. This trend can be seen as a reaction to the liberalization and democratization processes that have taken place in the post-socialist era, as well as the region’s aspirations for EU membership, which often require the adoption of more progressive gender policies.
Despite differences in the specific political and cultural contexts of the six countries, common themes emerge when examining the retraditionalization of gender roles across the Western Balkans.
Albania: Balancing Tradition and Modernity
Albania has made notable strides in promoting gender equality, particularly through the adoption of laws and policiesaligned with EU standards. The country has implemented legal frameworks addressing domestic violence, women’s participation in politics, and gender-based discrimination. However, retraditionalization pressures persist, particularly in rural areas where patriarchal norms remain deeply entrenched.
A significant challenge in Albania is the role of traditional family structures, where women are expected to prioritize their roles as wives and mothers. This cultural expectation is reinforced by conservative religious leaders who advocate for a return to “family values.” Moreover, Albania’s growing influence of religious groups, particularly after the fall of communism, has created tension between gender equality and traditional beliefs.
To counter these pressures, the Albanian government and civil society must continue to emphasize the importance of gender equality in both urban and rural areas, ensuring that women have access to education, employment, and decision-making roles.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Legacy of War and Patriarchy
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the post-war period has seen a resurgence of traditional gender roles, particularly within nationalist discourses. The country’s complex ethno-political landscape has fostered a culture of conservatism that prioritizes patriarchal values, often using religion and tradition to justify women’s subordination.
The legacy of the 1990s war continues to shape gender roles in Bosnia. During the war, women were largely seen as victims or caretakers, and post-war reconstruction efforts did little to challenge these perceptions. As a result, there is significant pressure on women to conform to traditional roles, particularly within conservative, nationalist communities.
Efforts to counter retraditionalization in Bosnia have been led by civil society organizations, many of which focus on empowering women and promoting gender equality. These organizations work to challenge patriarchal norms by advocating for women’s rights in politics, the economy, and social life. However, the political stalemate in the country often hinders the implementation of more progressive gender policies.
Kosovo: A Struggle for Gender Equality Amidst Conservatism
Kosovo, the youngest country in the Western Balkans, has made significant progress in promoting women’s rights and gender equality. The country has enacted laws to prevent gender-based violence and promote women’s participation in public life. However, Kosovo faces considerable retraditionalization pressures, particularly from conservative religious groups.
The influence of religion, particularly Islam, has grown in Kosovo since the country gained independence in 2008. Conservative religious leaders often promote traditional gender roles, emphasizing women’s responsibilities within the home and family. This retraditionalization trend is especially pronounced in rural areas, where access to education and employment opportunities for women remains limited.
To counter these pressures, the Kosovar government and international organizations must continue to support women’s empowerment initiatives and ensure that gender equality is prioritized in both policy and practice.
Montenegro: A Conservative Backlash
Montenegro is witnessing a conservative backlash against gender equality efforts, with attempts to retraditionalize gender roles becoming more visible in recent years. Although the country has implemented progressive gender policies, these efforts have been met with resistance from conservative groups.
In Montenegro, traditional gender roles are often promoted as part of the country’s cultural and national identity. Conservative politicians and religious leaders have criticized gender equality initiatives, arguing that they undermine traditional family structures. This backlash is particularly evident in the country’s media, where women are often portrayed in stereotypical gender roles or through their gender.
Civil society organizations in Montenegro play a crucial role in countering this conservative backlash. These organizations work to challenge patriarchal norms by advocating for women’s rights and promoting gender equality in both public and private spheres.
North Macedonia: Progressive Policies vs. Traditional Norms
North Macedonia has made significant progress in promoting gender equality, particularly through its legal framework. However, like other countries in the region, North Macedonia faces challenges in countering attempts to retraditionalize gender roles.
In rural areas of North Macedonia, traditional gender roles remain deeply ingrained, with women expected to prioritize their responsibilities within the family over their careers or public life. Gender roles contribute to occupational segregation in rural areas, where women often work longer hours than men, with a significant portion of their labor being unpaid. Additionally, women face a substantial gender gap in property ownership and decision-making, with only 28% owning property and less than 10% taking leadership roles in land-related decisions, further exacerbating their economic vulnerability.
Despite these challenges, North Macedonia’s civil society organizations (CSOs) have played a crucial role in promoting gender equality and advancing women’s rights, achieving significant progress, especially in areas like women’s political empowerment and the empowerment of rural women. Women’s organizations have been key in advocating for critical legal reforms, such as amendments to the Electoral Code and the ratification of the Istanbul Convention, while approximately 40% of CSO networks in North Macedonia address gender equality either directly or as part of broader efforts in democracy, rule of law, and social protection.
Serbia: A Battleground for Gender Equality
Serbia has long been a battleground for gender equality, with progressive forces advocating for women’s rights and conservative groups pushing for a return to traditional gender roles. In recent years, Serbia has seen a rise in nationalist and conservative movements that promote patriarchal values, often using religion and traditional family structures to justify women’s subordination.
To counter these conservative forces, women’s rights organizations in Serbia have been at the forefront of promoting gender equality. However, the political environment and funding limitations in Serbia have strained women’s civil society networks, with government attitudes leading to decreased funding for women’s CSOs since 2010. As a result, new government-affiliated organizations with no prior expertise have been funded to fill the service delivery gap, bypassing established criteria for funding allocation. In addition, the rise of nationalist and conservative rhetoric in the country continues to pose a significant challenge.
Commonalities and Differences Across the Region
In the Western Balkans, conservative political and religious leaders in some countries promote traditional gender roles, either directly or indirectly, as part of national identity and cultural heritage. While this is more pronounced in certain contexts, such as during nationalist political campaigns or religious sermons, it does not occur uniformly across all countries or settings. In some instances, traditional gender roles are emphasized, while in others, there may be more progressive approaches or a blend of both, depending on the political and cultural dynamics at play.
In countries like Albania and Kosovo, religious conservatism plays a more prominent role in promoting traditional gender norms, while in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, nationalist discourses are more influential. In Montenegro and North Macedonia, the backlash against gender equality is closely linked to cultural and national identity, with traditional family values being promoted as part of the country’s heritage.
Building a Progressive Future: Strategies toOvercome Gender Retraditionalization in the Western Balkans
Countering retraditionalization in the Western Balkans requires a comprehensive approach that tackles both the cultural and structural foundations of this trend. Strengthening legal frameworks that promote gender equality and effectively addressing violations like gender-based violence are critical steps. Support for women’s rights organizations and civil society groups is equally important, as these organizations are at the forefront of challenging patriarchal norms. Governments and international bodies must prioritize funding and capacity-building initiatives for these groups to ensure sustained progress.
Additionally, education and public awareness campaigns are vital in changing societal attitudes towards gender roles, especially in schools and universities. Engaging with conservative religious and political leaders can foster dialogue on promoting gender equality within traditional frameworks, while regional cooperation allows Western Balkan countries to share strategies and best practices. Through these efforts, the region can resist retraditionalization and continue advancing towards a more inclusive, gender-equal society as part of its European integration goals.
Author: Daniel Lazarević, NGO representative
* The production of this blog was financed by the European Union. Its content is the sole responsibility of the Network of Progressive Initiative and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
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