The aim of the project is to strengthen the operational capacity of the Forum for Research on Eastern Europe and Emerging Economies (FREE) network through cooperation, feedback and the exchange of experiences, methods, and faculty competencies. The FREE network comprises economic research institutes located in the Baltic Sea region and in EU Eastern Partnership countries. The goal of the network is to support members to conduct policy relevant research and analysis and to educate a new generation of economists and leaders in the network countries.
Despite progress in Eastern Partnership countries since the early 1990s, recent events highlight that the transition to open, prosperous, and stable democracies is still incomplete. Achieving this transition requires knowledge and conviction of what reforms to pursue as well as political leadership with the ability to unify the population behind such goals.
Project activities include research seminars, a network conference, policy conferences, a student visit programme, and the publication of policy briefs. The project will facilitate the faculty to reach a broader audience for their work and learn from each other. This contributes to the goal of fostering prospering and sustainable societies in the region and develop human capital.