European Stability Initiative 2022-2025

The European Stability Initiative (ESI) has sought funds for the effort: "Strengthening peace and human rights at dark times - the Western Balkans and Turkey" 2023-2024. Sida has supported ESI for many years for their analysis and advocacy work with a focus on EU- rapprochement, democracy and the principles of the rule of law. The planned support is a phasing-out support. ESI describe themselves as a think tank with the purpose to contribute to a Europe that is able to defend its democratic institutions and human rights standards against "illiberal forces". ESI conducts context-based analyzes and writes reports in its priority areas. Based on these, they try to influence those in power to live up to their commitments and change their policies. According to a recent evaluation, their work has led to important results. ESI would like to have the opportunity to act flexibly. Sida assesses that there is a need to strengthen some of ESI's working methods and routines, but that it is also important to create conditions for flexibility.