The Western Balkans Agenda on Innovation, Research, Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (WB agenda) is a comprehensive strategic initiative launched by the European Union to foster closer cooperation between the Western Balkans (WB) and the EU-27. It aims to promote scientific excellence, support the region’s educational systems, create further opportunities for the youth and help prevent brain drain. By fostering the sectors of research and innovation, education, culture, youth and sport, the WB agenda aims to brigde gaps, enhance regional stability, and prepare the WB for successful integration into broader European frameworks.

One of the activities of the POLICY ANSWERS project is to monitor the implementation of the WB agenda based on a comprehensive set of indicators and using both qualitative and quantitative data. Stakeholders from the WB are actively involved in this effort. The first round of monitoring cards was produced in 2023 and POLICY ANSWERS will continue to monitor the implementation of the WB agenda in the upcoming years.

The Monitoring Cards regarding the implementation of the Western Balkans Agenda produced in July 2024 cover the following areas.