FNF Western Balkans

Bringing liberalism forward by promoting democracy worldwide, resilient dynamic economies, modernizing the state, a strong Europe, and the rule of law.

A productive and upbeat week in Potsdam with our brilliant colleagues of the , and with inspiration from the American football team.

The three-day Forum Istok - Jug, attended by more than 40 NGOs from Southern and Eastern Serbia, demonstrated that the struggle for a democratic country is not being waged solely at the political and party level. At the same time, the foundations are being laid for Serbia to become a society of engaged citizens who solve problems where they arise - at the local level.

The Forum was organized by I JA SE PITAM (“It Concerns Me Too”) from Leskovac and the Network of Active Citizens (MAG), which was established last year with support of the FNF Western Balkans, by more than 20 local initiatives and NGOs from Southeastern Serbia.

The Network of Active Citizens currently brings together 24 organizations interested in closer cooperation, joint programmatic activities, and education, which constitutes the common basis of cooperation with us.

Serbia’s democratic opposition is gearing up for the parliamentary elections. Will pro-European forces such as Pokret slobodnih građana, together with the student movement, succeed in putting an end to populism and nationalism?

We remain firmly on the side of those who genuinely wish to shape a future for Serbia as a perfectly normal part of the European family. Together with Vladimir Pajić, member of the Skupstina, and Natan Albahari, we as staunch Europeans are discussing the next steps in our joint commitment to democracy and the rule of law for the benefit of all citizens of Serbia.

Happy birthday to us! On 19 May 1958, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation was founded by Theodor Heuss, then President of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Following the failure of German society during the Third Reich, he sought to lay the foundations for democratic awareness among the population through civic and political education. This aim is just as important today as it was back then – not only in Germany, but in many countries around the world. States cannot function without the participation of their societies. Ensuring this is our mission, also in the Western Balkans.

Today, on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, we stand for dignity, equality, and respect for every human being, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.

Diversity strengthens our communities, making them safer and more compassionate. Every person has the right to live authentically, free from discrimination, fear, and hate.

Let's continue to create spaces where people are seen, heard, valued, and supported. Not just today, but every day.

A new episode of our hit series “Mostograditelji” is in the making! Following the highly popular feature on the Serbian-Austrian cabaret artist Malarina, we will soon be showcasing another stand-up comedian: Luan Comedy. The Kosovo-Swabian artist from Stuttgart talks to us about the opportunities and possibilities within the EU, and the advantages of having a home in two cultures. Link to the first seven episodes of Mostograditelji in the comment section!

On , we reflect on the enduring idea of a united Europe – built on shared values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and cooperation. For countries in the Western Balkans, these principles serve as both a point of reference and a strategic objective. The aspiration to join the European Union is not only about membership, but about advancing reforms, strengthening institutions, and improving governance in line with European standards.

At the same time, the path forward remains demanding. Progress requires sustained political will, credible reform efforts, and a renewed commitment to overcoming longstanding divisions and structural challenges. On the other hand, the enlargement process itself also calls for consistency and engagement from the European Union.

Europe Day is therefore both a moment of affirmation and of realism: a reminder of the opportunities that integration offers, and of the work that still lies ahead. The Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit remains committed to supporting dialogue, democratic development, and European integration in the Western Balkans.

For those of you who understand German, please find the Episode #4 of the podcast Rajsferšlus – Politik, die verbindet, Dušan Dinić and Toni Skorić speak with management consultant Ademir Mustić, who came to Germany’s Ruhr region from Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1992.

Ademir talks about his dual identity as a Bosniak and a German, as well as the development of a third, forward-looking identity emerging from the two. As a refugee of war, he quickly learned that he had to actively and independently pursue education in order to seize and make use of the opportunities offered by his new homeland. At the same time, he is deeply aware of how strongly rooted his original identity remains within him. This helps him look with even greater confidence at his achievements and his sociopolitical engagement as a local politician with firmly established liberal values.

https://youtu.be/TZ5kRwDhWgI