The Balkan Socioeconomic Integration Index (BSEII) is a multidimensional, data-driven initiative designed to measure the level and dynamics of socio-economic integration across the Balkans. Its core purpose is to provide a systematic, comparable and evidence-based picture of how integrated the region is across key economic, social, connectivity and institutional domains.

Rather than serving as a simple country ranking, BSEII is conceived as a practical tool for understanding regional integration as a structured process. It examines how stronger regional ties relate to market integration, connectivity, institutional alignment, economic convergence and broader development potential. In this way, the Index aims to help track whether the Balkans are moving from fragmentation towards functional socio-economic integration.

The current preparatory phase focuses on developing and validating the conceptual and methodological framework, identifying and screening indicators, mapping available data and data gaps across Balkan countries, and preparing the basis for future measurement, reporting and policy use.

The project brings together an international and multidisciplinary group of experts and researchers from across the region, combining expertise in economics, statistics, regional development, public policy and socio-economic analysis.

The regional expert network includes Yasen Georgiev, Fahir Kanlić, Sandra Jednak, Zef Preci, Milika Mirković, Éva Laczka and Martin Noveski.

The core BSEII team consists of Blagica Novkovska, Lead Statistician and Methodologist; Nina Mojsova, Lead Economist; Sasho Kjosev, Project Finance Coordinator; and Vlado Rikalovski, Project Coordinator/Team Leader.

This broad regional composition is central to the project’s value. It helps ensure that the future Index is methodologically sound, regionally relevant and practically useful for monitoring socio-economic integration, supporting evidence-based policy dialogue and strengthening regional cooperation.