The European Fund for the Balkans (EFB) in partnership with the Kosovar Civil Society Foundation (KCSF) and in cooperation with Gallup Europe are organizing a public discussion „The roots of a mismatch: High optimism vs. European Challenges” in Prishtina, on Wednesday, 25 February 2010, 10:30 – 12:30 at the Restaurant Rings, Kosovo.

Following the European Commission’s evaluations of progress of the Western Balkans towards European integration, the new Gallup Balkan Monitor on public opinion in the region offers insights into citizens’ views of the EU. In order to present and widely acknowledge the results of the Gallup Balkan Monitor, the European Fund for the Balkans in cooperation with Gallup Europe initiated a series of Gallup Balkan Monitor presentations and public discussions in the capitals of Western Balkan countries on the future of the Balkans, its European aspirations and the potential of “attitude change” and Europeanisation of the societies in the region.

The event in Prishtina will focus on Kosovo respondents’ attitudes and perceptions. The Gallup Balkan Monitor investigates public opinion on a broader range of issues, from the satisfaction with life standard and living conditions of citizens, trust in the political parties, courts, NGOs and media, fight against corruption and organized crime and expectations and attitudes towards EU integration and NATO.

The discussion will be opened with short introduction by Ms. Hedvig Morvai-Horvat, Executive Director of the European Fund for the Balkans. The country specific results for Kosovo will be presented by Mr. Robert Manchin, Director of Gallup Europe. These findings will be discussed by a panel including Ilir Deda from KIPRED, Shpend Ahmeti from GAP Institute, Momcilo Arlov from CCSD and Avni Zogiani from ÇOHU. The discussion will be moderated by Agron Bajrami from daily Koha Ditore, Prishtina.