European Talks

In this episode of WeBER Talks, Miloš Đinđić sits down with Dimitar Vrglevski from North Macedonia’s Center for Change Management to discuss the public administration reform in North Macedonia. They talk about the sectoral monitoring process, which evaluates the application of the EU Sigma principles within specific institutions. Dimitar shares his findings from his latest report on the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth in North Macedonia, which provides a data-backed perspective on the challenges of increasing transparency and accountability in the region's public administration.

This conversation sheds light on the complex landscape of reform efforts and the role of research in assessing public sector performance in North Macedonia and across the Western Balkans.

For more information about Dimitar's institution, the Center for Change Management, please visit: www.cup.org.mk

His report, as well as the others reports, will soon be published on www.par-monitor.org

In this episode of European Talks by the European Policy Centre, host Miloš Pavković sits down with Stefan Ristovski, a researcher with expertise in regional cooperation, economic reform, and the EU integration of North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. The discussion centres on the European Commission’s latest enlargement package, providing a thorough analysis of the democratic landscape, regional reforms, and the future of EU accession for the Western Balkans.

Ristovski offers a critical look at the European Commission’s evolving approach in its 2024 reports, highlighting both the package’s more direct language and its selective focus on certain countries. While Moldova and Montenegro receive positive feedback for electoral reforms, North Macedonia faces concerns about political polarisation and challenges in democratic institution-building. Ristovski reflects on the current political climate in North Macedonia, which has been marked by a recent government change and stalled accession talks due to unresolved issues with Bulgaria, leading to delayed EU negotiations.

The conversation also dives into the regional assessment variances between EU, Freedom House, and V-Dem reports, noting the Commission’s new “mostly satisfactory” assessment for North Macedonia, compared to Freedom House’s classification as a hybrid regime. Ristovski discusses the need for standardised reporting on civil oversight in intelligence sectors and questions the transparency of the Commission’s evaluative framework.

Looking to the future, Pavkovic and Ristovski explore the potential pathways and challenges for North Macedonia’s EU membership, especially in light of the EU's 2030 enlargement target, where Montenegro currently leads. Although optimistic, Ristovski š the importance of North Macedonia’s commitment to democratic reform, even if the 2030 goal is ambitious.

This episode is supported by the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Policy Center, and other regional partners, aiming to foster insightful dialogue on the pressing issues shaping the future of EU integration in the Western Balkans.

This episode of WeBER Talks is dedicated to economic growth challenges and opportunities for the Western Balkans. WeBER 3.0 guest is Nicola Pontara, Country Manager of the World Bank in Serbia. He talked with Milena Mihajlović, CEP Programme Director and WeBER 3.0, about the region's future and how reforms, governance, and technology can propel the Western Balkans toward convergence with the EU.

1. Growth Slowdown & Socioeconomic Divergence: While the Western Balkans experienced solid growth in the early 2000s, the region has struggled to maintain momentum post-2008. Nicola highlights the "golden period" between 2000 and 2008 but warns that without significant reforms, convergence with the EU could stretch as far as 2093 in a pessimistic scenario.

2. Governance Deficit: Poor governance remains a significant roadblock. Nicola emphasizes that countries in the region must focus on improving the rule of law, combating corruption, and increasing government accountability to accelerate growth and reduce the trust gap with their citizens.

3. The Role of State-Owned Enterprises: The discussion provides a key insight into the incomplete transition to market economies in the region. Many state-owned enterprises (SOEs) still dominate critical sectors like energy, limiting the private sector's potential to drive growth. Privatization and the introduction of market competition are seen as crucial steps forward.

4. Digital Transition & Innovation as Key Catalysts: Excitingly, digital transformation can help bridge the institutional and governance gaps. Serbia has become a leader in digital innovation, spearheading initiatives in AI, biotech, and IT services. The region can leverage this momentum to modernize public services, increase transparency, and reduce bureaucracy.

5. Youth, Women & Brain Drain: Nicola calls for urgent reforms to integrate young people and women into the workforce. Improving educational curricula and fostering labour market flexibility will prevent further brain drain and ensure that economic benefits are more inclusive.

Looking forward, both experts agree that focusing on second-generation reforms is vital: deepening financial markets, boosting regional trade and connectivity, investing in human capital, and addressing the urgent need for green transition and sustainable development.

While challenges persist, especially in governance and institutional reforms, there is hope that with the right policies and an embrace of digital transformation, the region can achieve sustained growth and converge with the EU in the coming decades.

Find out more - www.par-monitor.org

This episode explores how design thinking could transform public administration. Come hear from our trainers, Nikola Rajić and Deniz Hoti, as they discuss their observations from a recent two-day design thinking training session with WeBER grantees.

Understand design thinking's fundamental concepts, how it may be applied to public services, and how it allows civil society organisations in the Western Balkans to contribute to better governance. This episode is full of insightful lessons, motivational stories, and useful suggestions for anyone looking to modernise public administration using a human-centred methodology.

Listen in to learn how design thinking can improve and reinvent public services!

More about WeBER: www.par-monitor.org

In this 11th episode of WeBER2.0 podcast, a special edition of European Talks focusing on the EU integration of the Western Balkans, host Miloš Đinđić, Programme Manager of the European Policy Centre, Belgrade, and WeBER Lead Researcher, welcomes a distinguished guest, Professor Kalypso Nicolaïdis. Professor Nicolaïdis is the Chair of Global Affairs at the EUI School of Transnational Governance in Florence, and her contributions to the field of International Relations and European integration are remarkable.

During this engaging conversation, Professor Nicolaïdis shares her extensive insights into various aspects of European integration, global affairs, and democratic theory. With her wealth of knowledge in these domains, she explores the relevance of citizens' consultations and the role they play in WeBER's initiatives. The Democratic Odyssey, a groundbreaking project, serves as a blueprint for our discussion, offering valuable insights into the future of citizen engagement in the Western Balkans.

Join us in this enlightening conversation as we delve into the exciting realm of democratic participation and its potential to shape the future of the Western Balkan region. We are delighted to have Professor Nicolaïdis on board for this inspiring episode.

Visit her website for more information:

www.kalypsonicolaidis.com

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www.par-monitor.org

In the tenth episode of WeBER Talks, we welcome Ms. Simonida Kacarska, Director of the European Policy Institute (EPI) in Skopje, a member of the Think for Europe Network and WeBER partner from North Macedonia.

With her extensive background in Politics and International Studies, Ms. Kacarska provided unique insights into the world of deliberative polling (DP) and its relevance in our region. Delving into her experience, we explore the inception and implementation of DP, uncovering valuable lessons and takeaways. Simonida highlights the vital resources necessary for successful DP endeavours, discussing the human, financial, and time-related aspects. She also sheds light on the key challenges that Western Balkan CSOs, think tanks and research organizations might encounter when embarking on their own DP journeys.

Discover how DP can lead to informed public opinion and affect advocacy in the region, ultimately influencing decision-makers.

To learn more about the work of EPI, please visit: www.epi.org.mk.

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www.par-monitor.org

U novoj epizodi ovog serijala, naša gošća je bila Jelena Stefanović, turistički vodič, avanturistička travel blogerka i influenserka. S diplomama iz marketinga i turizma, ona je pravi spoj kreativnosti i ljubavi prema putovanjima.

Kako je Jelena završila u Veneciji? Šta je doživela tamo i kako je to oblikovalo njenu viziju budućnosti?

Sa njom razgovaramo o iskustvu života u drugoj zemlji, kao i tome gde vidi svoju budućnost, budući da je njena karijera sve samo ne obična - i kako je to imati posao koji nije "od 9 do 5" i koji je ne vezuje za jedno konkretno mesto. Pored toga, Jelena mladim ljudima koji razmišljaju o studijama ili poslu van matične zemlje daje savete koji će im sigurno pomoći da donesu odluke koje će oblikovati njihovu budućnost.

U serijalu „Cirkularne migracije pre depopulacije!” razgovaramo sa cirkularnim migrantima različitih obrazovnih kategorija i profila i fokusiramo na pronalaženje načina za povećanje broja cirkularnih migranata u cilju prevencije depopulacije. Serijal pruža zanimljiv uvid u iskustva mladih ljudi iz Srbije koji trenutno žive ili su živeli u inostranstvu u prethodnim godinama, kao i u različite perspektive o migraciji i njenom uticaju na društvo.

Projekat „Cirkularne migracije pre depopulacije!” sprovode Fondacija za razvoj ekonomske nauke – FREN i Centar za evropske politike – CEP. Projekat se realizuje uz finansijsku pomoć Evropske unije.

U novoj epizodi ovog serijala, naš gost je bio doktor medicinskih nauka, Vladan Čokić. On je magistrirao na medicinskoj genetici i doktorirao na hematologiji Medicinskog fakulteta Univerziteta u Beogradu, a poslediplomske studije obavio na Nacionalnim institutima za zdravlje u Americi, gde je i živeo do 2004, nakon čega se vratio u Srbiju.

Sa njim razgovaramo o razlozima njegovog povratka i razlikama između života i rada u Srbiji i u SAD-u, zašto se i kada odlučio za budućnost ovde, kao i šta bi savetovao mladima koji razmišljaju o studijama ili poslu van matične zemlje.

U serijalu „Cirkularne migracije pre depopulacije!” razgovaramo sa cirkularnim migrantima različitih obrazovnih kategorija i profila i fokusiramo na pronalaženje načina za povećanje broja cirkularnih migranata u cilju prevencije depopulacije. Serijal pruža zanimljiv uvid u iskustva mladih ljudi iz Srbije koji trenutno žive ili su živeli u inostranstvu u prethodnim godinama, kao i u različite perspektive o migraciji i njenom uticaju na društvo.

Projekat „Cirkularne migracije pre depopulacije!” sprovode Fondacija za razvoj ekonomske nauke – FREN i Centar za evropske politike – CEP. Projekat se realizuje uz finansijsku pomoć Evropske unije.

U novoj epizodi ovog serijala, naša gošća je bila Maša Sladojević. Maša od pre nekoliko meseci živi i radi u Srbiji, nakon života provedenog u Austriji.

Sa njom razgovaramo o tome kako se Srbija razlikuje od Austrije, zašto se i kada odlučila na budućnost ovde, gde planira svoju budućnost, i šta bi savetovala mladima koji razmišljaju o studijama ili poslu van matične zemlje.

U serijalu „Cirkularne migracije pre depopulacije!” razgovaramo sa cirkularnim migrantima različitih obrazovnih kategorija i profila i fokusiramo na pronalaženje načina za povećanje broja cirkularnih migranata u cilju prevencije depopulacije. Serijal pruža zanimljiv uvid u iskustva mladih ljudi iz Srbije koji trenutno žive ili su živeli u inostranstvu u prethodnim godinama, kao i u različite perspektive o migraciji i njenom uticaju na društvo.

Projekat „Cirkularne migracije pre depopulacije!” sprovode Fondacija za razvoj ekonomske nauke – FREN i Centar za evropske politike – CEP. Projekat se realizuje uz finansijsku pomoć Evropske unije.

U trećoj epizodi ovog serijala, naš gost je bio Predrag Đorđević. Predrag trenutno živi i radi u Srbiji, nakon završenih osnovnih studija u Srbiji i razmene i mastera u Austriji, Nemačkoj i Italiji.

Sa njim razgovaramo o tome kako je živeti i raditi u drugoj zemlji, koliko se druge zemlje razlikuju od Srbije, gde planira svoju budućnost, i šta bi savetovao mladima koji razmišljaju o studijama ili poslu van matične zemlje.

U serijalu „Cirkularne migracije pre depopulacije!” razgovaramo sa cirkularnim migrantima različitih obrazovnih kategorija i profila i fokusiramo na pronalaženje načina za povećanje broja cirkularnih migranata u cilju prevencije depopulacije. Serijal pruža zanimljiv uvid u iskustva mladih ljudi iz Srbije koji trenutno žive ili su živeli u inostranstvu u prethodnim godinama, kao i u različite perspektive o migraciji i njenom uticaju na društvo.

Projekat „Cirkularne migracije pre depopulacije!” sprovode Fondacija za razvoj ekonomske nauke – FREN i Centar za evropske politike – CEP. Projekat se realizuje uz finansijsku pomoć Evropske unije.