Debate: Social Protection System and/or Helicopter Money

Centre Dialogue – Social Forum On 25 October 2023, the Center for Democracy Foundation organised the debate Social Protection System and/or Helicopter Money, in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation. Partaking in the discussion were: Zoran Stojiljković, United Branch Trade Union Independence; Ljiljana Lučić, former State Secretary at the RS Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs; Milan Ćulibrk, NIN; Peđa Mitrović, Party of Liberty and Social Justice; Miljana Pejić, KOMS (National Youth Council of Serbia); Nataša Vučković, Center for Democracy Foundation. The discussion was moderated by Suzana Trninić, Journalist. In response to the challenging economic situation, rising inflation,…

The eradication of poverty must be a priority of the state and society

CDF Announcement Ahead of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty Every fifth person in Serbia is at risk of poverty, and 28.1% of the population is living in ‘at risk of poverty’ or social exclusion, according to the latest data from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia. The eradication of poverty is Sustainable Development Goal number 1 of the UN’s 2030 Agenda, to which the Republic of Serbia is committed, implying the application of one of its key principles – ‘Leave No One Behind’. The severe economic situation, inflation, and particularly the surge in food and…

CDF: We insist on adherence to decent work standards

We must combat all forms of discrimination in the workplace and those which are work-related; contribute to greater gender equality, recognise and regulate unpaid labour, and eradicate child labour. Ahead of World Day for Decent Work, the Center for Democracy Foundation reminds us that labour rights are an integral part of the human rights framework and must be respected and protected in the same manner. The Republic of Serbia has ratified international agreements committing to take all necessary measures to ensure that employees have a dignified standard of living. Economic growth has not been accompanied by an increase in the…

Training – Enhancing the Impact of Gender Mainstreaming

Mentoring and Monitoring for Real Impact project On 3 and 4 October 2023, the Center for Democracy Foundation organised training in Kragujevac on how to increase the real impact of gender mainstreaming. The training was organised in collaboration with the German Development Cooperation. Training for CSO representatives provided to contribute to further strengthening the promotion of gender equality in Serbia by empowering women's organisations to respond to key gender challenges in society. The following speakers shared their knowledge and experience with those in attendance: Tanja Lindell (Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia), Darija Šajin (Aarhus Centre Novi Sad) and…

Meeting of the expert thematic group “Eradication of poverty” on the advocacy initiative “Clarifying the concept of single parents”

SDGs for All Platform On September 27, 2023 The Center for Democracy Foundation organized a meeting of the Expert Thematic Group "Eradication of Poverty", within the Social Pillar of the Platform "Sustainable Development for All". The topic of the meeting was the presentation of the draft of the advocacy initiative "Clarifying the concept of single parents". The discussion pointed out the need to expand the definition of single parents in the legal system of Serbia, and include the category of parents who take care of children alone or mostly alone, as well as to take measures for improving the position…

Debate: Living Standard of the Citizenry and the Autum-Winter of 2023/2024

Centre Dialogue – Social Forum On 26 September 2023, the Center for Democracy Foundation organised the debate: Living Standard of the Citizenry and the Autum-Winter of 2023/2024, in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation. Partaking in the discussion were: Ivan Nikolić, Economics Institute; Bojan Stanić, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia; Zoran Ristić, United Branch Trade Union Independence; Aleksandar Milošević, Danas magazine; Sarita Bradaš, Center for Democracy Foundation; Žarko Šunderić, Center for Social Policy; Nebojša Atanacković, Serbian Association of Employers; Zoran Mihajlović, Association of Independent Trade Unions of Serbia and others. The discussion was moderated by Marija Antić Šehić,…

There is growing dissatisfaction among the people resulting from the economic situation and increased violence in society

Nataša Vučković, Secretary General of the CDF at a guest appearance on TV Nova S There is a growing dissatisfaction in society caused by the economic situation, significant price hikes, inflation, and a deterioration of the standard of living, said Nataša Vučković, Secretary General of the Center for Democracy Foundation, in an interview with TV Nova S. On the other hand, dissatisfaction has also increased due to accumulated political issues, particularly the high levels of violence in society. People feel that in general, the violent atmosphere broadcasted by the media, demonstrated in public spaces, and parliament, has spilt over into…

International Day of Democracy

The citizens of Serbia need more justice, which can only be provided by functional democratic institutions The Center for Democracy Foundation, on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy, reminds of the importance of building a democratic and organized society in which the rights and freedoms of all citizens are respected and protected. In times when democratic values are being put on test, we emphasize the necessity of persistent work on changes in the state and society in order to approach the standards of democracy, human rights and the rule of law as those of the EU developed countries….

Sustainable economic growth is feasible only if accompanied by decent work

Economic growth must also bring decent work, as these two are connected and must be given equal importance and respect, said Nataša Vučković, Secretary General of the Center for Democracy Foundation. When we talk about development programs for Serbia, our region and, of course, globally, it is important to highlight the importance of other sustainable development goals related to good governance and the development of institutions that serve the needs of citizens, inclusiveness, provide availability of health care, the right to water, environmental protection in various segments… We continuously deal with the protection and promotion of labor rights in the…

CDF: Support for the demands of trade unions to increase minimum wage

Minimum wages must follow the real cost of living and enable a dignified life for employees and their families The Center for Democracy Foundation provides full support to trade union demands regarding negotiations on increasing the minimum wage in Serbia for 2023 and 2024. Minimum wages must follow the real cost of living, to ensure a dignified life for workers and their families and to mitigate the risk of further deepening poverty in Serbia, which is already alarmingly rampant. High inflation (12.5% according to SORS data) and constant price increases have resulted in a large number of employees, in particular…

Nataša Vučković and Miloš Đajić became the members of the Council for the Creation of a Stimulating Environment for the Development of Civil Society

Thank you for your trust and support! Nataša Vučković from the Center for Democracy Foundation and Miloš Đajić from the Center of Modern Skills were chosen in front of civil society organisations as membership candidates in the Council for the Creation of a Stimulating Environment for the Development of Civil Society. We sincerely thank all those organisations that have demonstrated their trust in us and provided support. We will be persistent in our intention to represent the civil sector in the best light, with an expert and professional approach, advocating to raise the trust of the citizenry in civil society…

EU Integration, Dialogue, Cooperation and Participation of Youth in Western Balkans – POLITEIA Regional School 2023

Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe / 2023 Politeia Regional School for Youth Participation Center for Democracy Foundation has organized the 2023 Politeia Regional School for Youth Participation in Niš, from 6-12 July, as part of the Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe project, supported by the European Union. The participants of “POLITEIA Regional School for Youth Participation 2023” were students, activists and young experts from Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo*, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia. The main topics that will be discussed are: European integration of the Western Balkans, youth policies and programs in EU/Western Balkans, fighting hate speech in public…