The Atlantic Council’s Balkans Forward Initiative is a unique, coordinated effort to foster a democratic, secure, and prosperous Western Balkans firmly integrated into the transatlantic community. Our work seeks to reinvigorate US engagement in the region, promote more effective US-European leadership, foster dialogue among key actors across the region, and cultivate a new generation of decision-makers and experts.

The Balkans Forward Initiative provides analysis on regional developments, organizes delegations to the region, develops strategy and policy recommendations, and regularly convenes relevant actors and leaders. Most recent examples have included President of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, President of Kosovo Hashim Thaçi, Prime Minister of Macedonia Zoran Zaev, President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogheriniand former NATO Secretary-General Lord George Robertson.