The Balkans are what geostrategists call a "hot spot", an area where throughout history neighboring powers have competed for influence. Other such hot spots are Afghanistan and Israel/Palestine. The Balkans occupy the south-eastern corner of Europe. Geographers define the Balkans as the area south and west of the rivers Donau and Sava. Our efforts focus the states of the former Yugoslavia.

The Balkan Mission is focused on providing resources on the challenge of assisting minority refugees and internally displaced persons. Last year, more than 400,000 displaced people sought to return to their homes in Balkans. The Balkan Mission includes focus on Serbia, Montenegro, Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, and areas impacted by the Kosovo and Bosnia conflicts. The political and economic situation in Serbia and Montenegro has not been fully stabilized and the refugee situation has encountered procedural and bureaucratic obstacles. The Balkan region as a whole is stabilizing, opening up new possibilities for return, local integration, and mission work.

As the situation in the region seems to improve, international involvement is declining. International assistance levels are decreasing, and international institutions are scaling down or moving out. The UN mission in Bosnia shut down in 2002, numerous Non Governmental Organizations are closing out projects, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) plans to phase out operations in Bosnia and Croatia in the coming year. In this context, the related issues of mission projects and have become increasingly vital.