About WEB.DEP

The recent (post 1990) history of the western Balkans is deeply engraved by ferocious wars between the various nations that created a deficit of co-operation and mutual understanding between different national, religious and social groups. Furthermore, the post WW2 history has left the region with a deep democratic deficit. However, the long term history of the region is probably one the finest examples of co-operation between nations in the overall European History.

In the light of the above background, in recent years, the countries of the Western Balkans have made considerable progress in stabilisation and reconciliation, internal reform and regional cooperation. These developments show that the people and governments of the region are seeking a better future in the mainstream of European political and economic life. The region has significantly moved forward in terms of achieving lasting macroeconomic stability and increasing its competitiveness but progress is uneven and much remains to be done. As progress is made on stabilisation and status issues are addressed, the Western Balkan countries will increasingly focus on the reforms needed to approach European standards. Hence, the major challenge in the region is to establish co-operation and mutual understanding and to return in the larger European family, overcoming the forced separation from it.

An important pre-requisite for promoting the above targets and for converging to the European standards and observing the European acquis communautaire, is to dramatically improve the concepts and infrastructure for information exchange and to strengthen the principles and practices of democracy and international co-operation.

In this context, WEB.DEP primary aim is to establish an important communication and information management network hosted by the National News Agencies of the Western Balkan countries. The project involves policy makers and stakeholders from Western Balkans such as relevant Governmental Organizations (Ministries), Public News Agencies and citizens into the e-Democracy processes, supported through a unified environment, under a set of specified procedures and a common code of ethics.