This report presents a comparative analysis of political parties in six Western Balkans countries (WB6), and questions whether the evolution of center right parties has led to the ideological enrichment of their Green/Environmental objectives.

With the European Union (EU) having taken a leading role in international negotiations on climate change, in formulating and implementing climate policies and strategies, and with political parties across Europe experiencing a significant upturn in support for the environment in recent years, if we are to gain a clearer picture of the impact that Green Treaties such as the Paris Agreement, Climate Change Summit or Green Deal have in the WB countries in the 21st century, it is useful to examine political parties commitment towards becoming more environmentally conscious.

The integration of environmental action in the Western Balkans requires political parties to prioritise green agendas in their policies. So far, the role of implementing these processes appears to have fallen on the shoulders of civic society. Hopes of a ‘green breakthrough’ in the system will only continue if there is a synergy between civic society and a green political agenda. The study introduces the reader to twelve conservative or right-wing political actors in WB6 countries, and the environmental preferences set in parties’ political agendas.

The survey is the first of this type in the region and tries to make a qualitative comparison between WB6 countries in an effort to understand which political parties are best addressing the environment and climate change challenges. This research can contribute to our understanding of political obstacles to and opportunities for effective climate policy in WB6 countries. Furthermore, the study is expected to provoke further enriching of environmental dimension in Parties’ political agendas in line with global and EU processes, as well as to assist the WFD in designing support tools for the sister parties in WB.

NB The creators of this handbook would recommend reading the full report, which contains further details of each country in the region and the environmental policies they have implemented.

To download the handbook, please click here: RECOGNITION OF ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE by Centre Right Political parties’ Programmes in Western Balkans