Renew Europe CoR has partnered with Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) Europe’s three-year long project to increase cooperation between local liberal politicians in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia and Croatia, connecting them through concrete projects and fostering regional participation. 

This opportunity aims to increase the presence of the local liberal network by identifying liberal European cities and regions with best practices in the topics discussed, involving their administrations in cooperation and co-organising study visits to these constituencies. 

Members will then be able to draw lessons from the projects and launch similar initiatives with other countries in the Western Balkans. 

First Vice-President of Renew Europe CoR Jasna Gabrič previously raised alarm bells about the falling support for EU membership in the Western Balkans, but welcomed this new cooperation tool as a potential blueprint to foster new European engagement. 

“Places within Europe which feel left behind are faced with disengagement and discontent in the long term. When the development trap is unaddressed, disengagement and discontent make citizens less likely to support European integration and values. Can you imagine what it does to those that have been stuck for decades in the accession limbo?” said Vice-President Gabrič. 

Renew Europe CoR recently welcomed to the European Committee of the Regions Roman Jakič, Chair of the Liberal South East European Network (LIBSEEN), to discuss opportunities to work together on capacity building at the local level in support of liberal mayors and councillors in the region.