South Eastern Europe

Even though the war in the former Yugoslavia officially ended almost a decade ago there are still thousands of displaced persons and vulnerable groups in the region. Furthermore the unresolved political situation in Kosovo still creates refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) who seek refuge in the bordering states as well as in the European Union.

Affected groups and individuals are now facing difficulties regarding the return to their homes, struggling to find new homes or settling into the societies where they initially sought refuge. The region’s ethnic diversity is often the cause of hostile relations amongst the public and disagreements in higher political circles. Despite widespread international funding and aid to the region, the weakness of the state infrastructure is at the core of the problem.

Some critical issues of concern in the region regarding refugees and the right to seek asylum are: lack of government funds and official mechanisms to provide for adequate and sustainable solutions for returnees and IDPs; the need for readmission agreements with the EU; lack of effective social inclusion programmes for returnees and refugees; the need for the development of asylum systems; the need for improved border management; and the precarious position of Roma and Roma returnees.

ECRE began working in the region in 1993 through projects coordinated by ECRE’s member agencies the Dutch, Danish and British Refugee Councils. In 1998, ECRE set up a Focus Group on South Eastern Europe with funding from the British National Lottery. The Focus Group was working to build a strong, common voice on refugee issues in the region by developing common policy and advocacy positions and supporting the development of local NGOs dealing with refugee and displacement issues.

This work continued with funding from the MOTT foundation and is now being taken forward thanks to support of the European Commission under the CARDS programme.

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