Europe
During the Soviet period individuals and organisations seeking to build up a civil society were subjected to severe persecution. The lack of a democratic tradition still characterises the political development of the post-Soviet nations. This has led to varying degrees of criminality, corruption, nepotism, and despotism. In addition these countries are plagued by very poor economic conditions.
Support for the development of popular movements in the region is a priority for the Palme Center and its member organisations. Another, increasingly important, problem is the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS. Major efforts are needed to meet this threat.
Over a ten year period we carried out broad and intensive cooperation projects in the Baltic republics, which are now being phased out as these countries have entered the European Union. The two future EU countries Bulgaria and Romania, which both share the Western European cultural tradition, are far on the way to building democratic social structures.