Balkan Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence 2007: Mobility

The Balkans features a proliferation of borders and barriers to movement of people, goods, capital, services, information and ideas, both among the countries that make it up and vis-à-vis the EU. These stifle development, create frustration, slow regional reconciliation and cooperation, and isolate the region from the European values they are aiming for.

Applicants for the 2007 Fellowship proposed journalistic research into the existence and impact of such barriers and borders on political, economic or social issues, looking at how they come about and influence the potential to resolve or deal with problems, or take advantage of cross-border opportunities.

Ten applicants were selected, and conducted research within the Balkan region and European Union member states, drawing on examples of cooperation or lack thereof, making comparison and highlighting know-how.

Their reports were published on November 16, 2007, in a special edition entitled Moving On: Overcoming Obstacles to a European Future.