Central, East and Southeast Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia
Two decades ago the population in Central, South Eastern and Eastern Europe, Southern Caucasus and Central Asian regions still lived under communist rule. In a very short time, historically speaking, the people succeeded in establishing democratic, free market systems in many countries. From the start the Foundation has supported their transformation processes and helped them forge closer links with free and democratic Europe. However, development levels in the region are very uneven. Some countries are already members of the European Union and others hope to become so in the near future. But certain countries have made little headway towards democracy and the rule of law.
Worse still, there is a return to authoritarian structures. In these countries our Foundation works, in difficult conditions, to strengthen those forces that stand up for freedom, human rights, a market economy and democracy. Throughout the region we support local, regional and national initiatives to implement minority rights, democratic control over the security forces and strong international human rights coalitions.
By promoting liberal parties and think tanks we contribute to the development of democratic and rule of law institutions. The regional networking of these organisations is particularly important in order to encourage the exchange of experiences.
The regional office is based in Sofia. The region is divided into six subregions: Central Europe, Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans, the Southeast Balkans, Eastern Europe and Southern Caucasus, each comprising several countries.
