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.
Project: Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe (RYDE)
Gender-sensitive language has increasingly become a central issue in contemporary discourse, not just as a matter of inclusivity but also as a reflection of societal norms and values. In the Western Balkans, the need for gender-sensitive language in public spaces is particularly important as the region seeks closer integration with the European Union (EU). The Western Balkans, comprising Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, have made some progress in addressing gender equality, with comprehensive anti-discrimination and violence prevention laws and the adoption of key international standards for the protection of women’s rights. However, language use in public discourse often reflects deep-seated gender biases, which can undermine these efforts. This blog explores the significance of gender-sensitive language in public spaces, reviews the legislative trends across the six Western Balkan countries, and highlights how these nations can align with EU standards on their European integration journey.
Understanding Gender-Sensitive Language
Gender-sensitive language refers to the conscious use of terms that do not discriminate based on gender and that promote equality and inclusivity. It avoids the default use of masculine forms when referring to mixed-gender groups or individuals whose gender is unknown. Instead, it emphasizes the equal visibility of men and women, as well as other gender identities, in both spoken and written communication.
In public spaces, the use of gender-sensitive language is crucial because language shapes perceptions, behaviors, and attitudes. When language consistently reinforces traditional gender roles, it can perpetuate stereotypes and hinder efforts toward achieving gender equality. Conversely, gender-inclusive language promotes equality by recognizing and giving visibility to all gender identities.
Legislative Frameworks in the Western Balkans
Across the Western Balkans, progress toward gender-sensitive language in public discourse has been inconsistent. However, there have been legislative efforts to promote gender equality, including the use of non-discriminatory language. Below is an overview of the current legal landscape across the six countries:
The Albanian constitution guarantees gender equality, and the Law on Gender Equality in Society (2008) seeks to promote equal opportunities for men and women. Although the law does not specifically mandate gender-sensitive language in public administration, recent efforts by the Albanian government have aimed at introducing gender-inclusive terminology in legislation.
Kosovo’s Law on Gender Equality (2015) while comprehensive in addressing gender equality across various sectors, does not explicitly mandate the use of gender-sensitive language in its provisions. As GIZ noted, traditional gender roles and patriarchal language are still common in Kosovo and often go unnoticed, highlighting the need for ongoing awareness efforts.
Gender-sensitive language is said to be both justified and legally grounded in Montenegro’s Constitution, as well as through legislation such as the Gender Equality Law and the Anti-Discrimination Law and there are some measures aimed at promoting non-discriminatory language. For instance, authorities must use gender-sensitive language in job titles, professions, and functions, reflecting the natural gender (male or female) in employment contracts, appointments, academic ranks, and other official documents and records. Still, there is a lack of widespread awareness, and gender-insensitive language continues to be prevalent in public spaces, especially in the media.
Although North Macedonia has made significant strides in promoting gender equality, its legislation, including the Law on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men (2012), does not specifically mandate the use of gender-sensitive language. While the law focuses on ensuring equal opportunities for women and men in public and private sectors, the absence of explicit provisions for gender-sensitive language remains a gap. Recent discussions on gender-sensitive language in Macedonia have highlighted the need to overcome patriarchal norms, but a study of 500 job advertisements shows that most still use the generic masculine form, contributing to women’s invisibility, although there is growing awareness of gender-neutral language in some cases.
Serbia has made substantial progress in adopting gender-sensitive language, particularly in legislative texts and public institutions. The Gender Equality Law (2021) explicitly mandates the use of gender-inclusive language in official documents. Despite this, societal resistance and traditional gender roles continue to influence the broader public discourse. The Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) organized a conferenceon “Serbian Identity, Serbian Language, and the Gender Equality Law,” where it concluded that gender-sensitive language, based on “gender ideology,” is incompatible with the standard Serbian language and unacceptable to the SPC.
Challenges and Cultural Resistance
Despite legislative frameworks, the broader societal acceptance of gender-sensitive language remains a significant challenge across the Western Balkans. Deeply ingrained cultural norms and traditional gender roles can create resistance to changes in language use. In many cases, gender-sensitive language is viewed as unnecessary or even as an imposition from external forces, including the EU. In rural areas, where patriarchal values are often more pronounced, this resistance can be particularly strong.
The media in the Western Balkans also plays a critical role in shaping public attitudes toward gender-sensitive language. While some outlets have adopted more inclusive practices, many continue to use language that reinforces traditional gender stereotypes. Public figures, especially in politics, often neglect to use gender-sensitive language, setting a poor example for broader society.
Aligning with EU Standards
As the Western Balkans move toward EU membership, alignment with EU norms and practices is essential. The EU promotes gender-sensitive language as a key element in ensuring non-discrimination and inclusivity in public communication. The General Secretariat of the Council of the EU underscores the importance of gender-neutral language, not just for political correctness but also for shaping attitudes and perceptions toward gender equality, with the European Parliament particularly committed to reflecting this in all official communications.
For the Western Balkans, adopting similar policies will be crucial, not only to align with EU standards but also to foster greater societal acceptance of gender equality. As these countries aim for EU membership, the European Commission regularly monitors their progress in gender equality as part of the accession process. The inclusion of gender-sensitive language in public communications is likely to be an area of increasing focus.
What Else Needs to be Done?
To foster greater adoption of gender-sensitive language in the Western Balkans, it is essential to strengthen the enforcement of gender equality laws and introduce clear guidelines for public institutions. Governments should implement strategies similar to those used by the European Parliament, ensuring consistent use of inclusive language. Awareness campaigns and collaboration between civil society and international organizations are also vital in shifting public perceptions and overcoming stereotypes.
Furthermore, integrating gender-sensitive language training in schools, universities, and public institutions will promote long-term behavioral changes. Media outlets should be monitored and encouraged to adopt inclusive language practices, as they play a crucial role in shaping societal norms. These steps are critical not only for aligning with EU standards but also for fostering a more equal and inclusive society.
Author: Samija Kujraković, political activist
* 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.
The Common Regional Market (CRM) 2021-2024 Action Plan and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans Action Plan (2021-2030) received endorsement from the leaders of the Western Balkans Six — Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia — during the Berlin Process Summit held in Sofia on November 10, 2020.
The CRM Action Plan is made up of targeted actions in four key areas: Regional trade area: free movement of goods, services, capital and people, including crosscutting measures, such as the Green Lanes, to align with EU-compliant rules and standards and provide opportunities for companies and citizens; Regional investment area, to align investment policies with the EU standards and best international practices and promote the region to foreign investors; Regional digital area, to integrate the Western Balkans into the pan-European digital market; and Regional industrial and innovation area, to transform the industrial sectors, shape value chains they belong to, and prepare them for the realities of today and challenges of tomorrow.
The GAWB Action Plan focuses on five key areas: Decarbonization: climate, energy, mobility Circular economy Depollution: air, water & soil Sustainable food systems & rural areas Biodiversity: protection & restoration of ecosystems
The second monitoring report focuses on the progress made in the implementation of two critical areas: the Regional Digital Area from the Common Regional Market Action Plan and the Decarbonization area from the Green Agenda Action Plan in Bosnia and Herzegovina up to May 2024.
The desk research takes into account the information from the official institutional websites and correspondence with the representatives of the relevant institutions from the state and entity levels.
About project: This project will contribute to the overall efforts to preserve democratic principles of check and balances as well as to promote and advance democracy in the region through enhanced regional cooperation. It further contributes to the principles of the Belin Process, which has been working to strengthen and accelerate regional integration since 2014, as well as hasten the region’s overall alignment with the EU principles. In this framework, the project focuses on Berlin Process area such as infrastructure development, and connectivity, regional exchange at parliamentary level and the green agenda. However, it is through multi-level commitment that BP commitments can be taken further, and local ownership can be created. Thus, this project is expected to strengthen the involvement of the parliaments in pushing forward the regional agenda.
The inclusion of parliament in the BP commitments will be of added value for the Berlin process, and it will also strengthen parliament’s role in the EU integration process in each of the Western Balkan countries. By developing the capacity of parliamentarians and staff to conduct the oversight function of parliaments, the project will strengthen the system of checks and balances between the legislature and executive thus prompting greater coordination between the two branches regarding important national decisions and laws in the process of EU legislative harmonization. Therefore, the overall aim of the project is to enhance multi-level regional cooperation to consolidate and maintain the dynamics of the EU integration process.
Partners
The project is going to be implemented by six project partners in each of the six Western Balkans countries. The lead partner is the Institute for Democracy (IDSCS) – North Macedonia. The other project partners are Institute Alternativa (IA) – Montenegro, Institute for Political Studies (ISP) – Albania, CRTA – Center for Research, Transparency and Accountability – Serbia, Kosova Democratic Institute (KDI)– Kosovo, and the Network of Progressive Initiatives (NPI) – Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Proces evropskih integracija podstiče razvoj i transformaciju svih društvenih sfera i sa sobom nosi brojne političke, socijalne i ekonomske benefite za građane i građanke našeg regiona. Evropska unija je istovremeno i najvažniji politički partner zemalja Zapadnog Balkana i najveći donator i investitor u regionu, stoga često nije moguće napraviti jasnu distinkciju između političkih, ekonomskih i socijalnih benefita, jer su politički benefiti često i socijalni i ekonomski, dok su ekonomski benefiti uvek i politički. Ipak, imajući u vidu da je EU prvenstveno nastala kao ekonomska unija, očekivano je da najveće benefite EU integracija pronalazimo upravo u sferi ekonomije. Pogledajmo šta sve građani i građanke našeg regiona dobijaju zahvaljujući procesu EU integracija:
POLITIČKI BENEFITI
Politička stabilnost: Stvaranjem Evropske zajednice za ugalj i čelik 1951. godine institucionalizovan je mir u Evropi sklopljen 1945. godine. Evropska unija je 2012. godine postala dobitnica Nobelove nagrade za mir, odnosno za unapređenje mira, demokratije i ljudskih prava na evropskom kontinentu. U saopštenju Nobelovog komiteta naglašeno je da je odluka bila zasnovana na „stabilizacionoj ulozi koju je EU odigrala u procesu transformacije najvećeg dela Evrope od kontinenta rata do kontinenta mira“.[1] Stoga je politička stabilnost jedan od najvažnijih političkih benefita procesa evropskih integracija za zemlje Zapadnog Balkana, jer je članstvo u EU garancija mira i stabilnosti za države članice, što je od izuzetnog značaja za zemlje našeg regiona koje još uvek nose teret ne tako daleke ratne prošlosti iz 90-ih godina prošlog veka.
Regionalna saradnja: Imajući u vidu prethodno navedeno, potrebno je istaći i benefit regionalne saradnje jer je pomirenje i rešavanje bilateralnih sporova između zemalja Zapadnog Balkana jedan od preduslova za ulazak u EU, što posledično doprinosi stabilnosti i miru u regionu. Ipak, regionom i dalje dominiraju nacionalistički narativi koji održavaju tenzije, a politički lideri svih zemalja u regionu ih zloupotrebljavaju u cilju dobijanja političkih poena na domaćem terenu, sprečavajući time građane i građanke da u potpunosti budu svesni benefita regionalne saradnje. Ipak, regionalna saradnja najbolje rezultate ostvaruje na polju ekonomskih integracija, o čemu će više reči biti u nastavku teksta.
Demokratske reforme, vladavina prava i funkcionalne institucije: Proces evropskih integracija zahteva sprovođenje temeljnih reformi koje podrazumevaju usklađivanje pravnog i političkog sistema zemalja Zapadnog Balkana sa sistemom Evropske unije u cilju jačanja demokratije i funkcionalnih i odgovornih institucija koje su u službi građana i građanki. Zemlje Zapadnog Balkana moraju uskladiti svoje pravne sisteme sa evropskim pravnim tekovinama, što podrazumeva jačanje vladavine prava, nezavisnosti pravosuđa, slobodu medija, zaštitu ljudskih i manjinskih prava, borbu protiv korupcije i druge važne oblasti.
SOCIJALNI BENEFITI
Sloboda građana i građanki da putuju, žive, rade i studiraju u EU: Punopravno članstvo u EU omogućilo bi slobodno kretanje građana i građanki zemalja Zapadnog Balkana unutar Šengenskog prostora, što olakšava putovanja i pruža bolje poslovne i obrazovne prilike. Evropski obrazovni programi poput Erasmus+ omogućavaju studentima, mladima i nastavnicima iz zemalja Zapadnog Balkana da studiraju, stiču iskustvo ili se obučavaju u bilo kojoj od EU zemalja. Zahvaljujući EU integracijama Zapadnog Balkana i Berlinskom procesu, u novembru 2022. godine lideri Zapadnog Balkana potpisali su u Berlinu tri sporazuma o slobodi kretanja sa ličnim kartama, profesionalnim kvalifikacijama za doktore medicine, stomatologije i arhitekte i priznavanju kvalifikacija u obrazovanju na Zapadnom Balkanu. Ovim se zemlje regiona pripremaju za uključivanje u mnogo veće evropsko tržište.
Bolji životni standard: Članstvo u EU sa sobom nosi i zaštitu radnih prava, bolje radne uslove, veće plate, zaštitu prava potrošača, kao i zaštitu životne sredine. Takođe, kroz harmonizaciju standarda sa EU regulativama imali bismo bolju socijalnu politiku i pristup kvalitetnijoj zdravstvenoj zaštiti. EU je, takođe, značajno unapredila medicinske tretmane za pacijente njenih država članica.
Kulturna raznolikost: Integracija različitih nacionalnosti u EU doprinosi kulturnoj raznolikosti i jačanju interkulturalnog dijaloga, što dalje razvija tolerantnu političku kulturu u društvu. EU podstiče očuvanje i promociju kulturne baštine svojih članica, što uključuje očuvanje kulturnih spomenika, tradicionalnih običaja, jezika i slično. Tako bi članstvom u EU i zemlje regiona dobile priliku da unaprede zaštitu i promociju svoje izuzetno bogate kulturne baštine.
EKONOMSKI BENEFITI
Jedinstveno tržište: S obzirom na to da je Evropska unija inicijalno formirana kao ekonomska unija, najveći benefiti procesa EU integracija nalaze se upravo u oblasti ekonomije. Glavni pokretač Evropske unije je jedinstveno tržište u kom se slobodno kreću roba, usluge, ljudi i novac. Proces EU integracija omogućava kompanijama iz zemalja Zapadnog Balkana pristup jedinstvenom tržištu i lakši izvoz robe i usluga, što podstiče ekonomski rast. Spoljno-trgovinska razmena između zemalja Zapadnog Balkana i Evropske unije na godišnjem nivou iznosi oko 50 milijardi evra. Proces EU integracija Zapadnog Balkana za sada je doveo do uspostavljanja zajedničkog regionalnog tržišta, koje predstavlja okosnicu dublje regionalne integracije i korak ka jedinstvenom tržištu EU. Na Samitu Zapadnog Balkana koji je održan 10. novembra 2020. godine u Sofiji u okviru Berlinskog procesa, politički lideri zemalja Zapadnog Balkana podržali su kreiranje Zajedničkog regionalnog tržišta koje omogućava slobodno kretanje robe, usluga, kapitala i ljudi u regionu.
Investicije i finansijska stabilnost: Reforme koje su zemlje Zapadnog Balkana dužne da sprovedu kako bi postale članice EU podrazumevaju i usklađivanje sa ekonomskim politikama EU, što nacionalne ekonomije čini relativno stabilnim i smanjuje makroekonomske rizike. Ekonomska stabilnost, zajedno sa političkom, privlači strane direktne investicije koje doprinose ekonomskom rastu i razvoju privrede.
Pristup fondovima Evropske unije: Pridruživanjem Evropskoj uniji dobijamo pristup fondovima čija su sredstva usmerena ka realizaciji projekata koji su ključni za ekonomski razvoj regiona, kao što je razvoj infrastrukture (izgradnja puteva, železnica, telekomunikacione i energetske mreže), zatim ka razvoju poljoprivrede, zaštiti životne sredine i drugim sektorima. Ovakvi projekti sa sobom nose i socijalne i političke benefite kao što je unapređenje regionalne saradnje kroz umrežavanje i bolju povezanost građana i građanki regiona zbog lakšeg transporta i slično.
Telefonske usluge bez rominga: Zahvaljujući ukidanju rominga sada možemo da koristimo telefonske usluge bez dodatnih troškova širom EU. U okviru Berlinskog procesa sprovodi se Sporazum o romingu, na osnovu kog su usluge rominga smanjene za 86% do 96% na celokupnoj teritoriji Zapadnog Balkana.[2]
Plan rasta za Zapadni Balkan – sprovedi reforme i dobij nagradu
Kada kažem da su ekonomski benefiti EU integracija uvek i politički, mislim i na Plan rasta za Zapadni Balkan za period 2024-2027, koji je Evropska komisija usvojila u novembru 2023. godine, kako bi se Zapadnom Balkanu omogućilo da uživa određene benefite članstva u EU i pre formalnog stupanja u članstvo. Ako bismo Plan rasta mogli ukratko opisati, to bi bilo sledeće: Ko sprovede zadate reforme – taj dobije finansijsku nagradu.
Suštinski, cilj Plana rasta je da se zemlje regiona podrže za sprovođenje reformi putem novog finansijskog instrumenta u iznosu od 6 milijardi evra sa posebnim fokusom na Zajedničko regionalno tržište. Posledično, izgradnja Zajedničkog regionalnog tržišta može dovesti do uspostavljanja trajnog mira u regionu. Novi finansijski instrument biće naročito fokusiran na sektore od izuzetne važnosti za društveno-ekonomski razvoj, kao što je energetika, zelena agenda, digitalna tranzicija, transport, obrazovanje i razvoj veština, gde će posebna pažnja biti posvećena mladima.
Plan rasta se sastoji od četiri stuba:
Približavanje Zapadnog Balkana jedinstvenom tržištu EU
U okviru ovog stuba podrazumevano je da EU pre formalnog stupanja u članstvo omogući pristup određenim područjima jedinstvenog tržišta za zemlje Zapadnog Balkana, ukoliko zemlje regiona ispune svoje obaveze u okviru Zajedničkog regionalnog tržišta sa fokusom na sedam prioritetnih oblasti:
Slobodno kretanje robe
Slobodno kretanje usluga i radnika
Plaćanje u eurima
Olakšavanje drumskog transporta
Integracija i dekarbonizacija energetskih tržišta
Jedinstveno digitalno tržište
Integracija u industrijske lance nabavke
Jačanje ekonomske integracije u okviru Zapadnog Balkana kroz Zajedničko regionalno tržište
Jačanje Zajedničkog regionalnog tržišta predstavlja odskočnu dasku ka jedinstvenom evropskom tržištu ukoliko se usvoje i implementiraju evropska pravila i standardi jedinstvenog tržišta, što će potencijalno dovesti do povećanja bruto društvenog proizvoda ekonomija Zapadnog Balkana za 10%.
Ubrzavanje temeljnih reformi
Da bi zemlje regiona stekle uslove za dobijanje finansijske podrške za reforme, neophono je da pripreme tzv. Reformsku agendu, odnosno plan reformi koje nastoje da sprovedu kako bi ostvarile postavljene ciljeve. Akcenat je na poštovanju demokratskih procedura, uključujući slobodne, fer i poštene izbore, višestranački parlamentarni sistem, slobodne medije, nezavisno pravosuđe, te poštovanje ljudskih i manjinskih prava. Očekuje se da će sprovođenje reformi dovesti do ekonomskog rasta kroz privlačenje investicija, ojačati regionalnu saradnju i pomoći zemljama regiona da postanu nekoliko koraka bliže članstvu u EU.
Povećanje finansijske pomoći za podršku reformama kroz Instrument za reforme i rast za Zapadni Balkan 2024-2027
Plan rasta predviđa dodatna sredstva u odnosu na ona koja već dobijamo u okviru IPA III pretpristupnih fondova. Instrument za reforme i rast obuhvata 6 milijardi evra, od čega 2 milijarde evra u grantovima i 4 milijarde evra u kreditima po povoljnim uslovima, koji podrazumevaju otplatu u maksimalnom periodu od 40 godina. Korisnici sredstava će dva puta godišnje upućivati zahtev za isplatu Evropskoj komisiji, koja će procenjivati da li su ispunjeni ciljevi i mere definisani tzv. Reformskom agendom, te će tek nakon ispunjenosti vršiti isplate.
Iako postoje brojni izazovi procesa evropskih integracija Zapadnog Balkana, uključujući potrebu za reformama same Evropske unije i nedostatak političke volje lidera zemalja regiona za ubrzavanjem i sprovođenjem reformi, EU integracije ostaju glavni pokretači razvoja i stabilnosti u regionu. Sve zemlje članice imale su impozantan ekonomski rast nakon pristupanja EU zahvaljujući pristupu jedinstvenom evropskom tržištu sa velikim povećanjem bruto društvenog proizvoda, čime je kvalitet života građana izuzetno unapređen. Ne smemo izgubiti nadu da će jednog dana i građani i građanke Zapadnog Balkana osetiti sve benefite koje sa sobom nosi punopravno članstvo u EU. Možda nije idealna, ali je najrazvijenija političko-ekonomska unija na svetu.
Autor: Marko Pantić, advokat
* Izrada ove publikacije finansirana je od strane Evropske unije. Njen sadržaj je isključiva odgovornost Fondacije Centar za demokratiju i ne odražava nužno stavove Evropske unije.
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