1st issue - October 9, 2006
Gallup Europe’s latest News
In order to fill the hiatus in reliable primary information on South-eastern Europe developments, Gallup Europe designed the first Balkan Monitor
The Balkans is the historic and geographic name used to describe the region of South-eastern Europe. The boundaries are still historically contested and in the aftermath of 1991, the term “Balkans” received again negative connotations. Social, political, national and religious identities in the Balkans remain an explosive issue. Current problems in South-eastern Europe are therefore still numerous: from the Kosovo’s looming independence to the growing ‘islamisation’ of the population in Bosnia and Albania, to the many challenges Serbia is facing, to the new status of Montenegro and to the many defies for Macedonia such as its democratisation, stabilization and integration. These are vital issues for Europe where we undoubtedly lack reliable data.
The European Institutions have a clear role to play and responsibilities and actions to undertake if they want to further integrate the Balkans in the EU and facilitate the Balkan reconstruction. But nothing can be achieved without understanding the issues of the region, establishing a frank dialogue with all the stakeholders and communicating possible solutions based on recent data from the individual countries.
Bridging cultural and political gaps, shaping efficient partnerships and, in the “near future” integrating these countries are real challenges for the EU. The Balkan Monitor – as part of the Gallup World Poll – intends to fill the hiatus in reliable primary information.
The official launch of the Balkan Monitor will take place during the workshop ‘Meet the neighbours: the Balkan Monitor’ at Gallup Europe’s premises on October 13th. The event will gather EU officials, policy makers, trade associations, NGOs, and representatives of the media.
For more information on the workshop and to register, please go to:
http://www.gallup-europe.be/events/events.htm
Newsletter Coordinator • Aurélien Renard, Business Development Manager • 
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