European Cultural Cooperation Projects in the Western Balkans

Abstract

The EU and the Western Balkans are bound together by enduring cultural connections and a shared goal. In order to advance peace and good neighbourly relations, the European Commission decided in July 2019 to strengthen cultural cooperation in the Western Balkans. The Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA II) launched an explicit call based on the Creative Europe Programme, encouraging applicants to suggest a consortium with the majority of partners from the Western Balkans in order to strengthen regional ties and increase local impact. Out of 350 entries, the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) chose 13 projects with 91 partners. In order to most effectively heal the wounds left by the wars in the former Yugoslavia and to foster a sense of common citizenship in Europe, these cultural efforts are instances of cultural soft power.   Received: 05 May 2022 / Accepted: 16 May 2023 / Published: 20 May 2023