The Institute for the Protection of Democratic Values (IPDV) held its Annual Meeting on December 22, 2024, bringing together politicians, members of parliament, and distinguished regional and international guests. The event focused on key issues such as democracy, stability, peace, and security. As is customary, the meeting was conducted via the Zoom platform to facilitate the participation of members of parliament.
In a constructive and candid four-hour discussion, participants emphasized the importance of democratic development, the right to free expression, and regional and international cooperation as they relate to both Western and Eastern Europe.
The four hours of the meeting debates and questions and queries, will serve for the year to come to focus on the joint areas of collaborations, regionally and internationally.
The IPDV continues to serve as a pivotal cross-border platform, encouraging dialogue and collaboration among diverse political ideologies for the collective benefit of the societies in region and beyond.
Democracy and the State of Political Affairs in the Region
Representatives from the regional countries provided insight into the political landscape in their respective states. Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, and Kosovo all highlighted their EU integration paths and the challenges they face in the pursuit of democratic reforms. Discussions also focused on the political stability in the region and the ongoing role of EU institutions in facilitating democratic processes.
Freedom of Speech and the Role of Social Media
Among crucial subjects of the meeting was freedom of speech and the growing influence of social media platforms in shaping public opinion and political discourse. Despite differing national policies, all participants reaffirmed the importance of protecting the fundamental right while ensuring responsible use of digital platforms. A consensus emerged that social media has become a powerful tool for political expression and citizen engagement, enabling also freedom of speech in its unique individual form but must be approached with caution to avoid undermining democratic processes.
The Role of International Justice
Vlora Jashanica– IPDV emphasized the importance of fair proceeding perceptions for the international justice and criticized how false narratives, particularly around sensitive issues like crimes, can undermine efforts to deliver fair and unbiased justice, specifying that this could indeed compromise the international justice system.
This conversation brought attention to the ongoing struggles of the international justice system. The recent controversy surrounding Prosecutor Jack Smith’s actions, as well as past flawed reporting, specifying that false narratives risks undermining the credibility of many processes and general perception for international justice legal framework.
IPDV calls for unity and regional and international cooperation
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to upholding the values of democracy, freedom of speech, and the importance of regional and international cooperation. The IPDV remains an institute for fostering dialogue that promotes justice, democratic values, freedom of speech human rights, regional and international stability.
Top Contributors:
The Institute for Protection of Democratic Values (IPDV) would like to extend special thanks to the top contributors who provided invaluable insights during the meeting:
Drita Llolla-Montenegro Member of Parliament, Party of Socialist -DPS –offered an impactful input on political regression situation in Montenegro, democratic patterns and violations as well as the role of Albanian political representation in Montenegro. To explain the current situation in Montenegro, she stated that although change was requested and needed after a long rule of the DPS, it was led by forces influenced by Serbia through Serbian Orthodox Church and local political representatives, whose long-standing goal is to undermine institutions and geopolitical orientation of Montenegro. She added that questioning and attacking the very foundations of Montenegro, from the Constitution to national symbols, has become commonplace for the new ruling majority while foreign policy is in a worse shape today than it was during the DPS rule. To that account, she added that it is important to remind that the party she joined after they lost the elections in 2020, the DPS, led the national efforts for opening the accession talks to join the EU, to achieve the front runner position in that process, and attain the NATO membership. She also emphasized that the current coalition leading Montenegro has Europe in name only, but in terms of actions has nothing to do with Europe. She also offered a critical account of the political representation of Albanians in Montenegro, calling out the current support of some Albanian political representatives and their involvement in government as a practice which, although is presented as a measure to protect the interest if Albanians, could work against them in the long run. She added that Albanians operate in an advanced context compared to the 90s, where their rights are guaranteed by the Constitution, minority rights laws and ratified conventions. While commenting political events at a global scale, Drita stated that there is a vacuum formed for some time now between the left which to her opinion has furthered itself from its principal tenets, and the right which is offering a new alternative of conservativism that is seemingly embraced by the masses. To that account she added that it should be seen as an opportunity for the younger generation of progressive politicians to step into the arena, engage in robust grassroots activism to offer new ideas that will speak more closely to the needs of the citizens. Drita gave a stark contribution on Gender Equality, social media and critique for the use of the term populism which as she stated derives from masses that are not happy with politics as she stated people are tired of hypocrisy in politics and the elites telling them what to do.
Pranvera Resuli Albania -Member of Parliament, Socialist Party– for her valuable contribution regarding Albania’s EU integration progress and the country’s democratic advancements. Pranvera emphasized the achievements of Albania made in a short time, which were evaluated very positively by the EU mentioning also the opening of the EU First Chapter in Albania and Security Defense Partnership. Pranvera also gave stark contribution in the field of importance of preserving the democratic processes, freedom of speech. Pranvera provided detailed information for Albania recent decision to ban tick Tok use from Albania, which was purely to protect the children from challenging games harming themselves after loos of life of child as a result of such challenges informing that the decision was done in full consent and demand by parents itself in Albania. Pranvera informed that Tick Tok is not used for politics in Albania mostly is used by underaged and the recent ban of it was purely to protect the children and minors. Pranvera mentioned also that due to high work and commitment Albania is seen as a country with stabilizing role in the Region.
Arti Tamburi –Canada –Political Science & History Researcher-for his analysis of Serbia’s role in regional instability and his perspectives on EU integration and democratic reforms. Arti asserted that the Albanian factor in the region has become more pragmatic, and this is displayed in their acceptance to enter governmental coalitions in Montenegro and North Macedonia even with anti-Western elements. Arti mentioned that Albania by now could have done much more, emphasizing the need for change of approach and the different problems affecting Albania, also mentioning the Albanian government’s readiness to the so-called Open Balkans initiative with critique towards such approach. Arti expressed his views for the Freedom of Speech emplacing that only dictatorial/communist countries apply limits to freedom of speech which is a constitutional right to each individual in a democratic system. Arti stated that Kosovo is the most democratic country in the region. Arti also stated that the EU is more driven to stability rather than democracy itself when it comes to the region. Its validation of various problematic Balkan state governments was raised as a sterling example of this.
Jason Gold Founder of Labour International, Central Eastern Europe, a branch of Labour Party UK that covered twenty countries in Central Eastern Europe. Gold was the Chairperson of the Labour Group -Branch for five consecutive mandates, currently engaged as IPDV Senior Affiliate. Gold contributed to the meeting with his views especially on freedom of speech, the impact of digital platforms the influence of individuals through such platforms and the importance of EU values in regional governance. Gold was focused in Montenegro, specifying the silent oppression in Montenegro which goes unnoticed as something that causes the situation to be worst in MNE. Gold also specified the false narratives that are created many times by social media and algorithms that work within social platforms. Gold also marked that in the UK there is no unlimited freedom of speech making division between hate speech and freedom of speech, as two different categories. Gold explained his experience in the UK and compared political landscape of region and the UK and the need to protect the democracy. He also stated that the evident rise in populism of the left and right has drastically diminished objective critical debate within the body of politics. He also stated that Democracy does not end with the simple action of voting but is something that is only truly enhanced and protected by what parties and party leaders do after winning elections.
Mimosa Musa North Macedonia-Member of Parliament, VLEN/ ASH- for her contributions on democracy and gender equality and the political landscape in North Macedonia. She stated that Democracy, peace, stability and security are the basic principles of the functioning of a state within the framework of normality. There are four pillars that are inseparable and interconnected. The idea of democracy derives its moral power and the attraction of the masses from two main principles.
• Individual autonomy: The idea that no one should be subject to rules that are imposed by others. People should be able to control their lives (within reason).
• Equality: The idea that everyone should have the same opportunity to influence decisions that affect people in society. Individual autonomy in our country has been visible to some extent, while the principle of equality has often been dominated by permanent discrimination of various forms, especially against the Albanian people and women in general, and worse than that, Albanian women have been continuously discriminated against in a double way. So, in North Macedonia, it often happens that these aforementioned explanations conflict with practical reality. But we must not forget one thing, as we in North Macedonia are a country in transition and building such foundations requires time and political and institutional maturity.
Nikola Zirojević Montenegro -Member of Parliament, Social Democrat Party-for his remarks on the political situation in Montenegro, the EU’s role, and the regional challenges stemming from Serbia’s influence. Mr. Nikolla mentioned also the Kosovo situation and struggles from interference not only in Montenegro but also in the region. He also voiced his serious concerns about the security situation in Montenegro, emphasizing the strained relationships among key figures in the country’s security sector. Nikola concluded that, given the broader regional context, any responsible individual, particularly a politician, should be deeply troubled by the state of peace and security in the Balkans.
Ermina Lekaj Perjaskaj-Croatia- Ex Croatian Member of Parliament, currently serving as Special Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Croatia, in charge for Western Balkan focusing in Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia –Ermina stated that Croatia is democratic country, respecting democratic principles and has no process which is against the democracy. Upon the solidarity with Croatian people by the IPDV representative for the last tragic event, Ermina stated that Croatia is shocked due to such tragic event which is isolated case in Croatia.
Ermina also stated that Croatia is EU country, driven to EU values and democracy and stability in overall.
In addition to the speeches delivered during the meeting, written contributions were submitted by Members of Parliament, who are among the active MPs from previous years’ Annual Meetings of the IPDV. These MPs participated online but were unable to speak due to overlapping schedules and demanding circumstances. Their written statements, addressing the theme of the meeting, are now presented to ensure their perspectives are included.
Vlora Dumoshi -Kosovo Member of Parliament -Democratic League LDK -part of the election list for another mandate-Kosovo is a democratic country committed to peace, stability, and security in the region. Kosovo moves forward alongside its international allies, who have supported our state from the very beginning. The path to EU integration is not only vital for Kosovo but also crucial for the stability of the entire region. Unfortunately, Serbia continues to be a destabilizing force in the region.
The involvement of women in politics is of great importance. While we have made significant progress, there is still much more work to be done to ensure equal representation and opportunities.
The preservation of democratic principles is fundamental to the future of our society. It is through upholding the values of democracy, justice, and equality that we can continue to build a prosperous and inclusive future for all. Together, we will remain steadfast in defending these principles, ensuring peace and stability for generations to come.
Valdete Idrizi Kosovo-Member of Parliament -PDK-part of the election list for another mandate
Kosovo exemplifies resilience in democracy, striving for stability and peace through inclusivity, women’s empowerment, youth engagement and minority integration. Peace remains at the core Kosovo’s vision as we actively participate in the EU facilitated dialogue with Serbia, foster grassroots reconciliation and protect cultural heritage as a bridge between communities. However, a significant obstacle remains Serbia’s destructive role. By failing to respect agreements and acting contrary to their spirit, Serbia undermines progress and regional stability. Despite this, Kosovo continues to prioritize peace, engage in dialogue and strengthen partnership with international allies and NATO. International support such as NATO’s KFOR mission and the development of Kosovo Security Force showcase our dedication to security and regional cooperation. Regionally, Kosovo continues with the efforts also through Berlin Process and aspires to join global organizations such as UN and NATO. Despite challenges Kosovo’s vibrant youth, digital innovation and diaspora offer immense potential for growth and also peacebuilding through development. Kosovo remains determined to contribute to a stable and secure Region, standing as a model of resilience, democracy and inclusivity.
Vlora Jashanica IPDV Founder & Representative
Hosting and leading the discussions on the commitment to democratic values and principles, the importance of regional and international collaboration, justice, EU integration, gender equality in politics, freedom of speech, and human rights.
In regard to the media in general, Jashanica emphasized that narratives can often be distorted by various sources operating alongside reputable mainstream media outlets. This underscores the critical importance of relying on credible mainstream media for accurate and reliable information. She also highlighted the role of social networks, which have empowered individuals to engage in discussions and broaden their outreach, contributing to the fundamental right of freedom of speech. However, Jashanica pointed out that it is ultimately up to societies to critically assess and compare information from both traditional media and social platforms, distinguishing between truth and misinformation.
Jashanica also specified the need for more effective modalities and increased efforts to end the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. She also underscored the unrest occurring in various nations and the reactions of societies in response to the growing dissatisfaction that has surfaced in recent years.
Finally, Jashanica emphasized that IPDV maintains neutrality with regard to party affiliations, bringing together politicians from all political backgrounds to promote democracy, peace, stability, security, and cooperation both within the region and beyond.
Institute for Protection of Democratic Values
Through the years, the Institute for the Protection of Democratic Values (IPDV), with its clear focus, mission, and orientation, has served as a key gathering point for local, regional, and international policymakers committed to supporting democracy. Through its collaborative efforts, the Institute played a significant role in advancing democratic values, fostering meaningful dialogue, and promoting democratic governance across borders. By uniting stakeholders from diverse regions and countries, IPDV has contributed to strengthening democratic institutions and addressing the challenges that threaten democratic principles.
As an independent organization, IPDV has developed its own strategies and approaches to support positive change, reinforcing the protection and promotion of democratic values. We recognize that democracy is a system that has triumphed over others that have failed, and we believe it is essential for democratic systems to continually evolve, enhancing mechanisms for improvement and intervention when necessary.
Fully aware of the challenges, IPDV remains committed to making meaningful contributions to societies both within and outside of our borders.