Event News Social Democratic Politics and Values Call for Authors: Policy Analysis on current U.S. Influence in the Western Balkans 02.09.2026 Image: Creator: FES As part of our 2026 analytical and policy-oriented work on geopolitical dynamics in the Western Balkans, we are planning to publish a policy analysis (max. 20 pages) examining the role and influence of the United States of America under the second administration of President Donald Trump. For decades, the United States has been widely perceived as a democratic backbone and a guarantor of stability in the Western Balkans. However, evolving global dynamics and shifts in U.S. foreign policy priorities have raised important questions about the nature of this role. In particular, the analysis should explore whether the United States continues to act as a stabilizing force in the region, or whether elements of its current engagement could be perceived as destabilizing. The publication is intended primarily for a political and policy audience in Brussels, Berlin, and Vienna. We invite interested experts to submit an offer to prepare this analysis. Evaluation Criteria Offers will be evaluated based on the following criteria:40% – Timeline for completion 30% – Price 30% – Conceptual approach to the analysis 1. Timeline for Completion (40%) The assignment should be based primarily on desktop research, drawing on publicly available sources, policy documents, and relevant expert analysis. Please note that editing and proofreading will be handled separately and will not affect the proposed timeline. 2. Price (30%) The financial offer should reflect the total cost of researching and writing the analysis and must be expressed in EUR (net amount). 3. Concept of the Analysis (30%) The analysis should provide a concise, policy-relevant, and analytically grounded assessment of U.S. engagement in the Western Balkans under the second Trump administration. Key guiding questions include:How has U.S. foreign policy towards the Western Balkans evolved since the beginning of the second Trump administration and compared to the first? To what extent does the United States continue to act as a guarantor of stability and democratic development in the region? Are there identifiable elements of U.S. engagement that could be interpreted as destabilizing? If so, in which sectors or policy areas? How do regional political actors perceive and respond to U.S. policy shifts? What are the implications of U.S. engagement for: Democratic governance and rule of law Regional cooperation and conflict dynamics EU enlargement and alignment with EU acquis How does U.S. influence compare to that of other external actors (e.g., EU, China, Russia, Turkey) in the current geopolitical context? How does the shift in U.S. policy shape U.S. perceptions of EU enlargement and integration of the Western Balkans countries?What are the broader geopolitical implications of a potential shift in the U.S. role for the Western Balkans? Please treat the above elements as guiding questions rather than strict structural requirements. The analysis should be clearly structured, evidence-based, and tailored to a Brussels-based policy readership, offering concrete conclusions and policy recommendations. Submission Deadline Please send your offer by email no later than 13 PM CEST on September 18, 2026. Offers should include:A short methodological concept (1–2 pages) Proposed timeline Financial offer (EUR, net) Short CV highlighting relevant experience Please ensure that offers are sent to both emails:info(at)fes.de; harun.cero(at)fes.de Please deliver the first draft of the publication no later than Friday, November 6, after the mid-term elections in the United States. We look forward to receiving your proposals.
