The EU Stabilization and Association Process is an essential incentive for the advancement of reconciliation in the Western Balkans. The requested societal and economic reforms to be fulfilled by the candidate and potential candidate countries in the course of the European integration are crucial for the promotion of peace, reconciliation, respect of human rights, democracy and freedom of expression.
The mutual understanding of the recent past is a decisive aspect of the stabilization process and one of the key pillars guaranteeing a secure and better future for the Western Balkans. Dealing with the past, focussing in particular on the period from the post Second World War to the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia, is of inestimable significance for the democratization and stability of the region. To this aim an interdisciplinary approach which encompasses history and journalism can interconnect the elaboration of the recent past to the present and forward-looking elements. History education, reporting on transitional justice and investigative journalism offer the adequate methodological tools to analyse different moments of the recent past on a time scale opened toward the future.
Lot I: carry out research and analysis on the last 60 years of history in the Western Balkans. As a result of their research and analysis, the organisations are expected to produce transnational, multi-perspective teaching material such as text books, ad hoc studies, documents and conference material all to be available in electronic format on specific websites. History teachers in the region are trained in the use of the didactic material and are supported in advocating for the introduction of modern teaching methods promoting reconciliation, also through the consolidation of regional networks.
The selected organisations will be awarded grants based on the relevance, effectiveness and feasibility, sustainability and cost effectiveness of the proposed action, their experience and proven track record in conducting multi-stakeholder research and analysis, consultation and advocacy in the field of history and reconciliation.
With a maximum of 90% of co-financing rate and a total available EU budget of EUR 1 000 000, a minimum of 2 grants will be awarded.
Lot II: advance the state of local media to report on war crimes, war crimes proceedings and related aspects of transitional justice with reference to the last 25 years in the Western Balkans and to support a sustainable network of journalists in all of these countries.
The quantifiable outputs are news articles, documentaries and features disseminated through a range of media, including on-line, television and radio.
The selected organisation will be awarded a grant based on the relevance, effectiveness and feasibility, sustainability and cost effectiveness of the proposed action, its experience, credibility and proven track record in conducting journalistic activities in the field of reporting on transitional justice issues.
With a maximum of 90% of co-financing rate and a total available EU budget of EUR 300 000, one grant will be awarded.
Lot III: design and facilitate one regional EU award scheme to promote and recognise excellence in investigative journalism. This will be achieved by awarding annual prizes to journalists who have produced and published stories on abuse of power, corruption and organised crime in print, on-line, radio and/or the television media.
The selected organisation will be awarded a grant based on the relevance, effectiveness and feasibility, sustainability and cost effectiveness of the proposed action, its experience, credibility and proven track record in managing programmes at regional level in the field of investigative journalism.
