FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES
National Network
North Macedonia
Address
Borka Talevski 71/1Country
City
SkopjeMobile Phone
+38970222475Telephone
+38970222475Website
Click HereYear of Establishment
2019Contact Person1
Andreja StojkovskiJob Title 1
Executive DirectorContact Person 2
Vesna PoposkaJob Title 2
Senior Research FellowOrganisation Type
Non-Governmental OrganizationFields of Activity
Democracy and community development, Environment/Sustainable development, Gender, Human rights, Others, ResearchGeneral Information
PRESPA Institute is an independent think tank based in Skopje, North Macedonia, dedicated to the study, research and analysis of International Affairs and Foreign Policy, as well as European Affairs and Europeanization. The institute strives to promote knowledge on the current state of affairs in North Macedonia and the Western Balkans, and to participate in the debate and the generation of ideas at the European Level.
The Institute has a young and dynamic team of highly-qualified and experienced analysts and a wide-ranging network of associated experts. It also counts on the participation of outstanding figures from public life linked to International Affairs and Foreign Policy, as well as European Affairs and Europeanization, the economic and business communities, public administration and the academic, cultural and social sectors.
Created as an association of citizens, by a group of convinced Europeans, the PRESPA Institute’s organizational structure balances public and private interests and fosters the exchange of ideas in a plural and independent environment, providing the scope for diverse political and social outlooks. Its highest governing body is its Executive Board, gathering not only members of the association, but also other prominent figures from the public life in North Macedonia.
The Institute’s work appears in the form of a wide variety of publications and reports, as well as in the forms of public events organized as training sessions, courses, seminars, workshops, round tables, etc. PRESPA Institute’s research is structured along thematic and geographical lines.
Mission and Objectives
A dynamic group of analysts and researchers conducting in-depth research on International and European Affairs influencing decision-making processes and actions, and contributing to the Europeanization of North Macedonia and the Western Balkans.
The objectives of PRESPA Institute are:
-To be an independent research centre, without partisan agenda, capable of influencing thinking and political action from within its local reality;
-To be a useful point of reference in Skopje, North Macedonia and the Western Balkans for people, institutions, and companies that work in the field or who are interested in it, and a point of reference in terms of research, documentation and publications specialized in International Affairs and Foreign Policy, European Affairs and Europeanization;
-To be an influential actor in the development of the international action of local governments, the Government of North Macedonia and those of the countries of the Western Balkans, and of the European Union;
-To be an organization connected at regional and European level – with other leading institutes in the field, as well as an organization that participates in the debate at the European Level as source of respected knowledge and opinion;
-To be an instrument of international action and a tool for dissemination of information on public policies affecting ordinary citizens, thus contributing to democracy, security, stability, freedom, and solidarity across the Western Balkans.
PRESPA Institute shall attain its objectives by means of:
-Researching, analysing and proposing alternative solutions, based on data from the relevant fields of action, as well as establishing various databases through its research or documentation;
-Facilitating the development of evidence-based public policies and the understanding of international actions cooperation, as well as by creation of an enabling environment for civil society development and networking with other civil society organization aimed at developing civil society and regional cooperation;
-Organizing and delivering training sessions, courses, seminars, workshops, round tables and other forms of instruction, as well as campaigns, promotions and other forms of action.
Main Projects / Activities
The Foreign Policy and International Relations thematic priority encompasses a number of project where through in-depth research of patterns of exchange and tracking of perceptions and stereotypes we find new information about the foreign policy challenges North Macedonia faces and provide insightful analysis that is evidence-driven, policy-relevant, and nonpartisan. We produce research reports, articles, and summary briefs tailored to the needs of different audiences. We host public events and private briefings to make our findings as accessible as possible and to ensure the information we uncover reaches citizens and policymakers who need it most.
Projects: Pooling of female expertise on Foreign and Security Policy; Impact and Image Observatory;
The European Affairs thematic priority encompasses a number of projects where through in-depth research of economic and political change, and trends of perception and stereotypes in the context of EU accession are monitored and assessed, while we play the vital role in fostering debate and developing tools to support EU accession.
We produce research that determines the changes harmonisation with specific EU Policies creates and enables public participation in policy making and in accession negotiations. We produce research reports, articles, and summary briefs tailored to the needs of different audiences. We host public events and private briefings to make our findings as accessible as possible and to ensure the information we uncover reaches citizens and policymakers who need it most.
Projects: Climate Mainstreaming for Just Transition; EU Observatory;
How can you contribute to the Network in your country?
The PRESPA Institute is an independent think tank based in Skopje, North Macedonia. Named after the Prespa Accord, it focuses on international affairs, foreign policy, and European affairs, particularly concerning North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. The institute aims to promote knowledge and participate in debates at the European level. The PRESPA Institute has been actively involved in fostering bilateral relations between North Macedonia and Spain and an activity we are especially proud of is the Bilateral Think-Tank Forum organized by the PRESPA Institute in collaboration with the Elcano Royal Institute. This forum aimed to strengthen cooperation and dialogue between the two countries, but the event also served as a platform for networking and cooperation in the mediterranean area, making it inspiration for joining the AFL network as an idea of deepening the narrative.
Why do you want to join the ALF Network?
Our institute shares the values of the network due to their common commitment to fostering intercultural dialogue, promoting mutual understanding, and advocating for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Both institutes adopt fair practices that ensure a transparent and accountable work environment. The PRESPA Institute and ALF promote a spirit of tolerance and encourage actions that foster dialogue between cultures . They treat others respectfully and engage in activities that support their missions and enhance their impact. These shared values create a strong foundation for collaboration and mutual support between the PRESPA Institute and the Anna Lindh Foundation.
On the other hand, the ALF is not present in North Macedonia, so we believe we could help each other to stand firmer and be more visible for what we stand for.