Central and Eastern Europe Program Highlights 2010

Following the 2008 elections, the pro-Western government in Serbia committed to taking the steps necessary to attain EU membership and improve relations in the region. Serious challenges remain, however, including the need for full cooperation with the ICTY and building a relationship with Kosovo. Serbia continues to struggle with serious shortcomings in judicial and public administration reform and the fight against organized crime and corruption.

Rioting during the October Pride Parade indicated that intolerance and extreme nationalism are deeply rooted in society. In response, the Youth Initiative for Human Rights and other grantees conducted anti-violence campaigns promoting tolerance and diversity. New media, like the e-magazines Pescanik (Hourglass) and E-Novine, provided alternative forums for civil society to discuss the riot and its implications for Serbia’s progress toward EU integration and dealing with the past.

Kosovo continued to face serious economic and political challenges as a new state. Although the International Court of Justice ruled that the 2008 declaration of independence did not violate international law, the country’s relationship with Serbia remained tense. With a legacy of conflict, Kosovar society continues to be divided; years of violence and hatred continue to feed negative stereotypes and limit interaction between ethnic Serbs and Albanians.

In 2010, NED stepped up support to minority media, seeking to better integrate the communities. The Association of Independent Broadcast Media of Kosovo (AMPEK) reached out to Serb and other minority media and effectively represented their professional interests before state and independent media bodies. In an unprecedented display of trust and confidence, all the country’s Serbian-language television stations have joined the Prishtina-based umbrella organization.

The polarizing outcome of the June 2009 parliamentary elections in Albania had a stifling effect on the country’s EU prospects. The flawed contest and ensuing conflict culminated in a parliamentary boycott by the opposition and a political stalemate that lasted throughout 2010. Despite warnings from Brussels, no compromise was reached; the inability to resolve the deadlock cost Albania its EU candidate status. Because the spring 2011 local elections will be an important measure of Albania’s democratic progress, grantees such as the European Movement in Albania and Mjaft! Movement launched nonpartisan voter education and GOTV programs designed to promote constructive debate and foster democratic values among candidates and voters.

Despite acquiring EU candidate status in 2005, Macedonia still faces obstacles to Euro-Atlantic integration. It continues to struggle with tensions resulting from a dispute over the state’s name with Greece, which blocked the country’s entry into NATO in 2008. Since then, Macedonia’s democratic transition has been hindered by a polarized political environment. To improve political dialogue between governing and opposition parties, the Ohrid Institute for Economic Strategies and International Affairs brought together young political leaders to promote dialogue and cooperation.

Moldova continued to build on its 2009 democratic breakthrough. The prodemocratic governing coalition proceeded with an ambitious reform program to bring the country closer to Europe. NED worked with Moldovan think tanks and NGOs to assist this effort. The Center for Independent Journalism is helping to transform TeleRadio-Moldova from a state-run mouthpiece and into a public broadcaster. Moldova also held early elections in November. Endowment assistance for citizen education, voter mobilization and poll watching programs through the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections helped produce the cleanest election in a decade. NED continued to be one of the few donors supporting civil society in Moldova’s breakaway region of Transnistria.