The European Fund for the Balkans together with its Balkans in Europe Policy Advisory Group (BiEPAG) and Engaged Democracy Initiative (EDI) is delighted to invite you to follow the discussion about civic movements potential and its role for democratisation of our societies.
A proliferation of civic initiatives and protests focusing on a variety of issues, motivated by and ranging from the destruction of urban space, environmental devastation, to corruption scandals took place across the region over the past years. They showed that many citizens are deeply dissatisfied with the lack of accountability of the ruling elites and are ready to actively engage in their communities. Whereas their success has varied, the latest environmental protests in Serbia have proved the tangible and specific issues that affect the daily lives of citizens, still have a high mobilization potential to enhance citizens’ sense of agency. Besides, environmental issues cut the ethnic and national divides and demonstrate a strong ability to unify people across the region in their fight for a better environment.
Our panel will discuss these and other issues, drawing on a recent Policy Brief published by the BiEPAG -
Unleashing the potential for change through social movements and civic initiatives. The paper is examining and presenting civic activism as dynamic force in addressing citizens’ needs: stemming from economic, legal, environmental, or social problems and uncertainties, and points the lack of political will and institutional capacities to address them. Authors are BiEPAG members: Vedran Džihić, Jelena Vasiljević, Marika Djolai and Alida Vračić. The brief is based on a public opinion poll carried out in all countries of the Western Balkans in 2020 and 2021.
The other two panellists are Savo Manojlović, who was among the main organisers of December protests and road blockades against Jadar project, and Bojana Selaković, Civic Initiatives Programe Director, who has been actively supporting and participating in the environmental protests over the past years.
You will be able to follow the discussion on
EFB YouTube channel.