The Western Balkans Democracy Initiative (WBDI) works with seven parliaments, public institutions, political parties and civil society organisations across six countries to improve representation of women, young people and persons with disability in political processes that impact on their lives. WBDI supports political parties to make their internal structures more democratic and responsive to marginalised groups policy needs.
The breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s and the creation of six separate states exasperated ethnic tensions and nationalist rhetoric that to some extent still frame politics in the region today. As the region’s countries move towards European integration, well-functioning institutions that pass quality legislation, monitor the work of governments and, critically, represent and promote the interests of all citizens, is essential.
We have offices in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia that work at the national level to improve democratic process in the region. WBDI is based and managed out of Belgrade.
The programmes aims to:
WFD Albania helps political parties become more accessible to women and young people, and is supporting civil society organizations working in the health and environmental sectors to engage decision-makers.
WFD’s work in Bosnia and Herzegovina focuses on advancing women’s political leadership and engaging young people in policy dialogue.
WBDI in North Macedonia is working to improve representation of youth, persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups in political processes and supports democratization of the political parties and improvement of democratic policies and practices.
Enhanced financial oversight practices including the establishment of two parliamentary budget offices in Serbia and Montenegro
Supported parliaments to restructure and revive their services, introducing modern human resources practices
Assessed parliamentary capacities to promote and protect human rights
Built parliament’s capacities to communicate effectively with citizens and be more open and transparent institutions
Enhanced the ability of our partners to research and produce evidence-based policy papers for engagement with institutions and policy-makers
Promoted civil society engagement with parliamentary committees to advocate for legislative change.
Built party structures and systems
Enhanced women's and youth political participation;
Provided education, support and advice relating to campaigning and elections;
Given opportunities for networking and engagement, including exposure to UK and European counterparts
