Social Cohesion at the Centre
Date Issued
2015
Author(s)
Cenic, Svetlana
Hackaj, Ardian
Kapetanovic, Amer
Koppa, Maria Eleni
Qorraj, Gazmend
Spasojevic, Dusan
Uljarevic, Daliborka
Abstract
Prosperity and stability in the Western Balkans can be achieved only by a joint focus
on economic and social questions within the framework of a new policy approach
based on social cohesion. When revisiting its enlargement policy, the European
Commission should set out intermediate steps to keep the process alive.
A new social and economic model needs to be implemented in the Western Balkans.
The social model should promote progressive taxation and social protection
programmes designed to reduce income and wealth inequalities. A new economic
model focused on an added value economy should replace the current neoliberal
model.
Fiscal transparency and open governance are the first steps towards building institutions
that enable citizen participation in decision-making and create a level playing-
field more conducive to economic prosperity in the Western Balkans. Fighting
for meritocracy and eliminating political patronage is possible only by strengthening
the mechanisms of democratic control.
on economic and social questions within the framework of a new policy approach
based on social cohesion. When revisiting its enlargement policy, the European
Commission should set out intermediate steps to keep the process alive.
A new social and economic model needs to be implemented in the Western Balkans.
The social model should promote progressive taxation and social protection
programmes designed to reduce income and wealth inequalities. A new economic
model focused on an added value economy should replace the current neoliberal
model.
Fiscal transparency and open governance are the first steps towards building institutions
that enable citizen participation in decision-making and create a level playing-
field more conducive to economic prosperity in the Western Balkans. Fighting
for meritocracy and eliminating political patronage is possible only by strengthening
the mechanisms of democratic control.