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Western Balkans
Connecting Local Politicians across the Western Balkans

3.5 Minutes
User
Dr.
  Adnan Huskić
User
  Dušan Dinić
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For nearly two decades, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom has worked with liberal councillors across the Western Balkans to strengthen democratic governance where it matters most: at the local level. The recently concluded “Locweb” project marks the latest chapter in that story, connecting committed local leaders from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Croatia with partners from the Renew Europe Group in the EU Committee of the Regions.

Between 2023 and 2025, “Locweb” pushed for liberal local politics to become even more transparent, competent, and responsive to citizens. Through three conferences in Zlatibor, Banja Luka, and Brčko and a final visit to the Committee of the Regions in Brussels, participants jointly worked on turning ideas into projects that meet EU standards and attract funding. Together with mentors from the Committee of the Regions, liberal municipal councillors worked on proposals that respond directly to people’s needs: affordable housing for young families and smarter, more accessible e-government services.

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The energy and collaboration that unfolded over these three years changed how many local politicians think about their role: Municipal councillors who once saw “project writing” as paperwork began treating it as a tool of empowerment, a way to translate liberal principles into visible results. Sessions in Zlatibor, Banja Luka and Brčko were pivotal in producing clear, actionable project packages ready for adoption by local councils.

The concluding visit to Brussels offered participants the chance to see how those same ideas can connect with Europe’s policy machinery and funding instruments. Participants worked between the session with the guidance from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation and staff from the Renew Europe Group, a model which attested to their commitment and desire to work continuously.

The legacy of three years of “Locweb” now rests with the people who participated. Councillors who sat together in workshops returned home with tested methods, templates, and a stronger sense of belonging to a European liberal family. The future of this work lies in deepening the connection between local reformers and European institutions. In the years ahead, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom aims to expand mentoring from the Committee of the Regions, offer structured follow-up for implemented projects, and continue nurturing a cross-border network of liberal local leaders capable of driving democratic progress from the ground up.

One principle remains unchanged: liberal politics begins where citizens live, in their municipalities, communities, and neighbourhoods. Strengthening that foundation is not just a regional goal, it is a European one.