The Programme will support regional thematic networks through Framework Partnership Agreements (FPAs) in duration of 4 years and implemented with initial 2-year grant with the possibility of extension for another 2 years (after a mid-term evaluation).

The aim is to support regional networks of CSOs, be it formal or informal, to pursue shared objectives regarding good governance and the fulfilment of the political criteria for EU accession. The partnerships will strengthen CSO dialogue and the development of knowledge and experience.

The proposed strategies must address the following priorities:

1) Strengthened capacity and efforts to provide analysis, advocacy and monitoring of key sector reforms at regional and national levels;

2) Improvement of the environment for civil activism and state-civil society dialogue at regional and national levels;

3) Improvement of the legitimacy, transparency and accountability of CSOs in the region.

The Balkan Civil Society Development Network Executive Office has moved into new premises. Please find the new contact details, the postal address: Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN), Bel Kamen Street no. 6/8, 1000-Skopje, Macedonia and the new telephone number/fax: + 389 (0)2 614 42 11. Please note that the email addresses remain the same. 

The work of the Albanian Parliamentary Committee of European Integration (PCEI) and Committee of National Security (PCNS) in 2011 have been in the focus of an IDM monitoring initiative, aiming to contribute towards greater accountability, transparency and effectiveness of parliamentary scrutiny. The monitoring has analyzed the performance of both parliamentary committees by focusing particularly on the comprehensiveness of parliamentary review, formal procedures, cooperation with the Executive and involvement of civil society and other non-state interest groups in hearings. IDM presented the findings and recommendations of the annual monitoring for both parliamentary committees in a Panel Debate “Challenges to Improve Parliamentary Review” on January 23rd 2012 gathering senior representatives of PCEI and PCNS, MPs, civil society experts, media, governmental and representatives from international institutions in the country.

Cenzura Plus from Split, in cooperation with the Association for Democratic Society, Zagreb is organizing a public debate on the 17th January 2012. The debate will focus on the European Union, how the accession will affect the rights and obligations of the living standards of Croatian citizens, opportunities and challenges of the future accession, as well as the upcoming referendum .  The speakers will include: Ambassador Paul Vandoren, Head of the Delegation of the EU in Croatia, Dr. Neven Simac, president of the Center for European Research and Documentation - Robert Schuman and Ph.D. Dragan Markovina, a professor at the University of Split.