[BENCHER] The Western Balkans’ bumpy quest for EU integration – 2016 Regional analysis

This analysis is based on the contribution and findings of the separate country analyses made by the project partners, produced within the BENCHER project. In order to produce this report, we have also analyzed the documents contained in the enlargement package of DG Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations and conducted a thematic analysis of the statements [...]

(BENCHER) 2016 Serbia country analysis: The 2016 Serbia country report – No surprises?

Serbia received the European Commission’s annual report as a country negotiating the EU accession (since 2014), with four chapters of the acquis communautaire already open, and two more under preparation for opening at the time. In general terms, the Commission’s tone was “between positive and neutral,” and, despite the anticipation resulting from the changes in [...]

(BENCHER) 2016 Montenegro country analysis: The case of Montenegro

Montenegro started the EU accession negotiations in 2012, with a total number of 28 chapters opened thus far, out of which three are provisionally closed.  According to the European Commission’s grading system, Montenegro made some progress in the area of rule of law, more specifically in fight against corruption and organised crime. Montenegro is considered [...]

(BENCHER) 2016 Albania country analysis: Still a “work in progress” case

The 2016 European Commission’s report on Albania could be considered as one the most important reports since the European Union granted the country the candidate status in 2014. For the first time, the Commission recommended the opening of accession negotiations with Albania, subject to credible and concrete progress in the implementation of a justice reform [...]

(BENCHER) 2016 Macedonia country analysis: From a free fall to a new take-off?

Since the publishing of the last European Commission (EC) country report for Macedonia, in which it was portrayed as a captured state, a lot of things have changed in the country. Thus, this analysis covers the events that have taken place during three periods: the findings of the EC in the period up to November [...]

Briefing Materials for democracy and economy – National EU Debate

This document is a summary of the two discussion topics of the deliberative polling event. It provides: 1.Information about the European Union; 2.Background info about two topics: democratic reforms and economic reforms in Macedonia; 3.Several possible policy approaches regarding the two topics and presents the challenges and opportunities regarding the EU accession for Macedonia for [...]

From youth for youth: perspectives for societal challenges

This is a study for the challenges that young people face. The document consists of three subjects: Student internship as a tool for acquiring work skills necessary for entering the labour market; Youth unemployment - Opportunities and Challenges and The effect of the ethical climate at public institutions on the youth brain drain in Macedonia.   Read the [...]