Gallup Balkan Monitor
June 22, 2009: the GBM announces the Focus On series of reports on key Balkan issues.
To delve deeper into the issues affecting the Western Balkans, the GBM announces the Focus On series of reports. These in-depth titles spotlight the key aspects of Balkan development: from migration and good governance to living standards and trust in the institutions. Due to the Balkans' difficult and much-debated path towards EU accession - with talks currently centred on visa liberalisation – Gallup and the EFB are kicking-off the series with Focus On: EU Perceptions. This report shows that not all countries have been scared away by the EU’s hesitation: two countries in the Balkans have actually seen a steep rise in EU support over the past two years. After this first issue, the next report will be a Focus On: Migration. See here for further details.
Insights and Perceptions - Voices of the Balkans
The Western Balkans is constantly in the spotlight: Kosovo independence, minority disputes, EU integration prospects - hardly a day goes by without Balkan issues hitting the headlines or a Balkan policy initiative being discussed.
Sound policies are vital, but they cannot be formulated without a well-founded knowledge of the perceptions and attitudes of the Balkan people. Something is lacking: reliable information about what those people are thinking.
Filling this crucial gap is the Gallup Balkan Monitor: based on pioneering surveys throughout the Western Balkans, it is the one-stop shop that delivers strategic insights based on evidence-based social research.
Covering Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia, the Gallup Balkan Monitor explores a series of key issues including:
- Ethnic & cultural identities and perceptions of other ethnic groups
- Religion & spirituality
- Social & economic conditions, employment prospects
- Business conditions
- Political activity in the region
- Attitudes and perceptions about the EU and major international organisations
- Good governance, corruption, crime & safety
- Well-being & life satisfaction
- Migration
- The future: outlook and aspirations.
The research is conducted annually, providing an up-to-date assessment on the socio-political, socio-economic, and multi-cultural dimensions of the Balkan region. Based on the data of the Monitor, Gallup can help you to:
- Understand the complex dynamics behind current Balkan issues
- Shape your policies and strategies based on the realities on the ground
- Track attitudes and assess the stability of the region
- Customise the data to meet your needs via a sophisticated dashboard
- Identify emerging trends at an early stage
- Make effective business decisions based on increased understanding of your potential customers.
Methodology
In collecting and analysing data for the Gallup Balkan Monitor, Gallup applies the strictest quality, methodology and accountability standards. The survey consists of at least 1,000 interviews per country and uses stand-alone samples of ethnic minorities and other entities. This allows for a differentiated analysis of the citizens' perceptions in the region.
Partnership
Gallup is pleased to carry out the Gallup Balkan Monitor in close partnership with the European Fund for the Balkans (EFB), a multi-year joint initiative of European foundations The partnership is currently scheduled to be for three years, effective from the survey undertaken in October 2008.
- For the latest results from the Gallup Balkan Monitor, visit Balkan-Monitor.eu.
- For a copy of the Gallup Balkan Monitor brochure, click here (PDF,350 kB).
For more information, you can call +32-2-734-54-18 or email 
To find out more about the European Fund for the Balkans, please visit www.balkanfund.org