Nataša Vučković: Social and Labour Rights on the Margins of Integration
Authored article by Nataša Vučković for Novi Magazin It is a rare occurrence for a conference addressing the general challenges and prospects of EU membership for Western Balkan countries to dedicate specific attention to the labour market, the state of workers’ rights, and the prospects for socio-economic development. These often seem like two parallel lines that seldom, if ever, intersect. The first set of topics typically revolves around geopolitical realities, the EU’s openness to further enlargement, and a general assessment of each country’s progress, with focus on the fundamentals—democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and regional cooperation. The social…
Second National Policy Lab on Culture and Cultural Heritage Held
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe – RYDE The second National Policy Lab on Culture and Cultural Heritage was held on December 4, 2024 via Zoom platform. The debate gathered representatives from cultural institutions, a representative from the Ministry of Tourism and Youth, youth representatives, and independent experts in the field of culture to discuss the following topics: • Strategic gaps in cultural and youth policies • Advocacy for a cohesive national framework that integrates European cultural policies supporting youth inclusion • Opportunities for studying cultural heritage in schools • Limited access to cultural activities for youth from rural areas and marginalized groups…
Workplace Mobbing in Serbia: An Invisible Issue Demanding Louder Solutions
Centre Dialogue – Social Forum Debate Workplace Bullying in Serbia: A Personal Matter or a Social Issue? Workplace bullying, or mobbing, is a persistent issue in Serbia that often remains invisible to the public, while institutions fail to dedicate sufficient attention to its resolution. During the debate Workplace Bullying in Serbia: A Personal Matter or a Social Issue?, held on 3 December 2024 and organised by the Centre for Democracy Foundation in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, participants examined various aspects of this complex phenomenon and proposed potential solutions. The opening remarks were delivered by: Marija Zarić, Commissioner for the Protection…
Regional Solidarity and Cooperation: Key to Advancing Labour Rights
Collaboration Between Trade Unions and Civil Society Organisations – Regional Academy on Decent Work 2024 The Centre for Democracy Foundation participated in the Regional Academy on Decent Work, held in late November 2024 in Igalo, Montenegro. The event, organised by the Centre for Politics of Emancipation and partner organisations, brought together 60 representatives from civil society organisations (CSOs) and trade unions across the Western Balkans. The discussions focused on the collaboration between trade unions and CSOs, joint campaigns, and the exchange of experiences on strikes and negotiation strategies in the fight to protect labour rights. A Manifesto on Decent Work was signed at the event,…
First National Policy Lab (Youth Dialogue Session) on Culture and Cultural Heritage Held
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe – RYDE The first National Policy Lab (Youth Dialogue Session) was held on 15 November 2024 at the ASK Education Centre, as part of the three-year project entitled ‘Regional Dialogue of Youth for Europe – RYDE’, implemented by the Center for Democracy Foundation with the support of the European Union. Following the first Regional Policy Lab on 5 November 2024, where representatives from government administration, cultural institutions, youth representatives, CSOs and independent cultural experts from the Western Balkans discussed the barriers, opportunities, and strategies for integrating youth perspectives into public policy frameworks in the cultural sector across the region,…
Support for improving the living conditions of informal waste pickers within the PRO program
Better access to healthcare, education, and social services, training, mentorship, and support for employment The “PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature” program, implemented by United Nations agencies with financial support from the Swiss Government, will enhance the living conditions of around 1,600 informal waste pickers and their families. The Swiss Government has allocated 2 million euros to improve their economic standing, social inclusion, and access to public services, as stated during the launch of the initiative to improve the living conditions of informal waste pickers under the “PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature” program. Support will focus on 12 municipalities, covering…
First Regional Policy Lab (Youth Dialogue Session) on Culture and Cultural Heritage Held
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe – RYDE The first Regional Policy Lab (Youth Dialogue Session), organised by the Centre for Democracy Foundation as part of the three-year project ‘Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe – RYDE’ with the support of the European Union, was held on 5 November 2024, via the Zoom platform. Youth participation in cultural initiatives and activities is crucial for Western Balkan societies. Unfortunately, the level of youth involvement in cultural life and the creation of cultural policies is unsatisfactory in most countries of the region. There is a need to combine efforts to find solutions to motivate young people to…
Experts Call for Reforms: Improved Planning of the Healthcare System Needed
Centre Dialogue – Social Forum Waiting lists, dual employment arrangements, and a lack of transparency are the main issues plaguing Serbia’s healthcare system, according to participants in the debate ‘(In)equality in Access to Healthcare Services and Waiting Lists’ organised by the Center for Democracy Foundation on 5 November 2024 in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation. “Waiting lists are at the core of the issue and represent a legalised system of corruption,” said Dragan Milić, Head of the Cardiac Surgery Clinic in Niš. He added that Serbia’s healthcare system is in disarray, with parallel systems prioritising personal interests over patient care. “The healthcare system…
Public Reading of the European Commission Report on Serbia: Limited Progress, Authorities Urged to Take Recommendations Seriously
The traditional Public Reading of the European Commission Report on Serbia 2024 took place on 1 November 2024 The European Commission’s Report on Serbia notes minimal progress made by the country in its accession path toward the European Union. The document is described as realistic, providing an accurate ‘list’ of modest advancements and accumulated challenges in key areas, according to those who participated in the Public Reading of the European Commission Report on Serbia 2024, held on 1 November 2024 at the Europe House in Belgrade. Speakers at the event included: Plamena Halacheva, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia; Bojana…
On Opportunities and Effects of Youth Participation in Cultural Life
Meeting with the Managing Director of the Gallery of Matica Srpska in Novi Sad (Novi Sad, 21 October 2024) CDF’s Secretary General Nataša Vučković and Project Coordinator Dajana Ostojić held discussions with the Managing Director of the Gallery of Matica Srpska Tijana Palkovljević Bugarski concerning opportunities and the impact of youth participation in cultural life. Ms Palkovljević Bugarski will represent the Gallery of Matica Srpska in the upcoming policy labs, youth dialogue sessions on culture, organised by the Center for Democracy Foundation in collaboration with regional partner organisations as part of the project ‘Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe’ with support from the European Union. The dialogue sessions aim to enhance communication…
Allow Students to Engage in Student Politics unhindered!
On the participation of youth at universities with STAV – an informal group On 21 October 2024, the Center for Democracy Foundation’s Secretary General, Nataša Vučković and CDF’s Project Coordinator Dajana Ostojić visited new members of the informal group STAV (Students against the Authoritarian Regime) in Novi Sad. The discussion focused on the challenges and issues of students’ organisation at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, as well as the participation of youth at universities in Serbia in general. The Center for Democracy Foundation insists that students should be allowed to engage in student politics without hindrance. Participation in electoral processes, as well as…
Needs of Waste Collectors and Their Families – How to Provide Systemic Support?
Joint UN Programme “PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature” Within the framework of the Joint UN Programme ‘PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature’, training was held on 17 and 18 October 2024 for representatives of local governments’ coordination mechanisms, involved in the support programme for informal waste collectors. Participating in the event, entitled ‘Support for Waste Collectors and Their Families, and the Roles of Various Actors’, were representatives from the Center for Democracy Foundation included Manager Milena Mićović Trajković and researchers Nevena Novaković and Njegoš Vujadinović (Institute of Social Sciences). The attendees were presented with research findings concerning capacities, social protection services and the…
