A journey toward more just and equitable societies in the Western Balkans

The Western Balkans is beautiful and diverse, but it is no secret that organized crime and corruption have splintered the tenets of social justice and fractured the foundations of society throughout the region. The consequences are debilitating.

This is not unique to the Western Balkans. We see worldwide that when criminal organizations control key industries, or when government officials are corruptible, the powerful can exploit the vulnerable with impunity. The results are declines in the quality of public healthcare, infrastructure, education, and access to justice. Existing inequalities and social divides become entrenched, and the gender equality gap widens.

All too often women are collateral damage or direct victims. Gender disparities and social injustice are perpetuated by the inextricable link between traditional social norms and organized crime and corruption. When combined with nepotism and male-dominated professional networks, women’s employment and education opportunities shrink and their access to public employment and political leadership roles is limited. Essential social services women and girls rely on also become increasingly inaccessible when criminal organizations bleed governments of money.

These constant shockwaves of crime and corruption rattle the very foundations of social structures. And when these structures begin to shake, those pushed to the edges fall first.

But the good news is that many dedicated people are working to combat organized crime and corruption in the Western Balkans. From grassroots activists and government officials, there are people committed to creating just and equitable societies. That includes the OSCE.

Through its field operations, institutions, and comprehensive programmes, the OSCE is helping local institutions to strengthen the rule of law, promote transparency and accountability, and empower people across all parts of society.

One great example is the OSCE’s initiative through the Regional Trial Monitoring project. This European Commission-funded project in the Western Balkans is monitoring close to 250 carefully selected, high-profile organized crime and corruption cases across the region. These cases cover a range of offences that affect public life, from healthcare systems and public procurement to employment and education.

With a robust methodology, the project team has been reviewing thousands of pages of legal documents and monitoring hundreds of hearings to identify systemic problems and develop policy recommendations to address deficits. These recommendations provide an evidence-based framework for future reform that meets real needs to better protect people and preserve public life.

Projects like this result in concrete steps toward eradicating organized crime and corruption and building more resilient, stable, and equitable societies.

By working together, we can create a future for the Western Balkans where all people have the chance to achieve their full potential and no one is left behind.

It is not going to be an easy journey, but it is one worth taking.