Young Albanians participated in a capacity building training organized by the Youth in Free Initiative.

Central and Eastern Europe

See the 2010 Grantee Spotlight on Zasto Ne (Why Not)

The headlines out of Europe were dire in 2010. The near-bankruptcies and budget cuts, the rise of anti-immigration sentiment, and the general responses to terror threats seemed to suggest a Europe that was turning inward. But what went largely unreported was that, despite the Eurozone crisis, Brussels remained committed to building a “Europe whole and free.” Since the Lisbon Treaty came into effect at the end of 2009, the European Union has maintained its integration and enlargement agenda.

Demonstrations in Greece did not prevent Montenegro from being granted EU candidate status. The bailout of Ireland did not preclude the EU from providing aid to crisis ridden Moldova. European doubts about progress in Afghanistan did not avert a Member Action Plan from being awarded to Bosnia and Herzegovina. And a crackdown on illegal immigrants did not derail visa-free travel from being introduced for most Western Balkan countries.

Two decades after communism’s collapse in Eastern Europe, the Endowment’s objective remains helping new democracies to succeed. For Southeastern Europe, this goal is best met through these countries’ accession to the EU and NATO. But while Brussels has reached out to its neighbors and set clear criteria for accession, governments have been slow to respond. Despite listing closer relations with the EU as a top priority, governments are either failing to make progress or trying to roll back the reforms needed to advance integration.

Politicians and officials have not adequately addressed the rampant corruption, extreme nationalism, and ethnic tensions that still plague their countries’ transitions. And some governments continue to drag their feet in resolving the region’s specific post-conflict issues stemming from the wars of the recent past. In 2010, the Endowment therefore increased its support to independent organizations in the region to counter this stagnation and backsliding.

Fifteen years after the Dayton Peace Accords brought peace to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the country’s democratic transition and Euro-Atlantic integration remain stalled due to entrenched ethnic separatism and deep divisions among governing parties. With the sense that time was running out to create a stable and functional state, the October 2010 presidential and parliamentary elections were viewed as a key measure of the country’s democratic progress. In response, NED provided unprecedented support for nonpartisan GOTV programs that held politicians accountable for their performance and promoted issues that unite different ethnic groups.

Over 20 election-related programs were supported throughout the country, including subgrants to over a dozen new NGOs and informal groups operating in remote areas. By utilizing new media and innovative approaches, the programs contributed to the dramatic success of moderate forces in the Federation (see the Europe Grantee Spotlight). :: MORE