The structural Erasmus+ CBHE STAND project (2021-2022) aims to improve the governance processes and university autonomy mechanisms at partner universities in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro through strengthening their capacities, accountability and transparency. The structural dimension of the STAND project entails improving governance, university management structures, strategic planning and operational processes to support public and private higher education institutions in the Western Balkans. To this end, the development of national legal and policy frameworks for university autonomy will be supported by the Ministries of Education of all three partner countries. The STAND project represents the holistic approach to strengthening university autonomy in four specific dimensions - organisational, academic, staff and financial autonomy, which are the main priorities of university governance in Kosovo, Albania and Montenegro and which are very necessary for the successful university transformations in the Western Balkans.