The European Fund for the Balkans in cooperation with the Centre for Southeast European Studies of the University launched its new initiative - the blog “Balkans in Europe Policy Blog” (www.balkansineurope.org) It is envisioned as a forum for current debate on the EU integration and reform processes, as well as the democratic consolidation, inter-ethnic relations and socio-economic transformation of the Western Balkans. The blog is also part of the work of the Balkans in Europe Policy Advisory Group (BiEPAG), a group of analysts and scholars concerned with the EU integration of the Western Balkans. The Balkans in Europe Policy Advisory Group supported by the European Fund for the Balkans and the Centre for Southeast European Studies of the University of Graz was formed in October 2013 with a goal to promote the European Integration of the Western Balkans and the consolidation of democratic, open countries in the region. This blog will therefore try to steer a wider debate and provide opposing views on this current issues, based on the exchange of analysis and research of regional and international experts, promoting communication and cooperation between policy makers, academic institutions, private partners, journalists and international factors. The initial list of the blog contributors are the members of the Balkans Policy Group - Florian Bieber, Arolda Elbasani,Corina Stratulat,Dejan Jović,Dimitar Bechev,Leon Malazogu,Marko Kmezić,Milan Nič, Nebojša Lazarević, Nenad Koprivica,Nermin Oruč and Vedran Džihić, but also external contributors like Tim Judah, Doris Pack, Stefan Lehne, Petra Roter. The list of future bloggers is open, so all the proposals for contributions are welcomed. A short description of the argument and biography can be sent to bpb@uni-graz.at. Posts should be between 500 and 1000 words.
