Biljana Butlevska, Director of Strategers Institute, Blerta Zeqiri, Head of Operations and Drita Abdiu Halili, Associate for EU Programmes and Policies, participated in the Civil Society and Think Tank Forum 2025, held on 22–23 September in Podgorica, Montenegro, as part of the Berlin Process. The Forum gathered civil society organisations, think tanks, policymakers and international partners to strengthen regional cooperation and shape policy recommendations for the Western Balkans’ European future.
Over two days of intensive dialogue, participants addressed six priority themes that are central to democratic transformation and EU integration in the region:
- Good Governance – tackling state capture, strengthening judicial independence, and protecting civic space.
- Security (Cybersecurity & Disinformation) – advancing EU-aligned digital reforms and rights-based responses to rising cyber threats and disinformation.
- Reconciliation and Dealing with the Past – promoting truth, justice, and inclusive remembrance to build sustainable peace.
- Gender and Diversity – embedding gender equality and minority rights as cornerstones of democratic resilience.
- Common Regional Market & Growth – unlocking the potential of a unified Western Balkan market to double regional economies.
- Environment, Energy & Decarbonisation – ensuring a just green transition aligned with EU standards, focusing on renewable energy, climate resilience, and social inclusion.
In addition to these thematic discussions, the Forum also hosted spotlight sessions on media freedom, migration, youth participation and the civil society operating environment, highlighting cross-cutting issues that shape democratic resilience in the region.
Our presence at the Forum reflected Strategers Institute’s commitment to democratic governance, regional cooperation and inclusive policymaking, as well as our support for bringing the Western Balkans closer to the European Union with civil society at the core of this process.
