Debate “Between Law and Practice: Labour Rights of Education Workers in Serbia Today”
On 10 March 2026, the Center for Democracy Foundation organized a public debate on the topic “Between Law and Practice: Labour Rights of Education Workers in Serbia Today”, as part of the project “Labour Rights and Decent Work in Socio-Economic Reforms in Serbia – Black on White”. The discussion featured contributions from: Aleksandar Baucal, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade; Nikola Ćurčin, Independent Union of Education Workers of Serbia; Tatjana Prijić, Institution of the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality; Katarina Šćepanović, Forum of Belgrade Gymnasiums; Slavica Manić, Union of the Faculty of Economics; Ozren Slović, Attorney at Law; Jasna…
Growing Inequalities in Society Require Urgent Social Policy Reforms
CDF Press Release on the Occasion of the World Day of Social Justice On the occasion of the World Day of Social Justice, the Center for Democracy Foundation warns of the difficult position of vulnerable groups in Serbia, the high risks of poverty, and growing inequalities in society. Nearly one fifth of Serbia’s citizens live at risk of poverty (19.7%), according to the latest available data from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia (RZS), while the at-risk-of-poverty or social exclusion rate stands at as much as 24.3% (in 2024). Households in Serbia spend the largest share of their…
Draft Law on Internships: Between Better Youth Employability and the Risk of Abuse
Local Dialogue Session in Niš, 10 February 2026 On 10 February 2026, in Niš, the Center for Democracy Foundation organized, within the project “Labour Rights and Decent Work in Socio Economic Reforms in Serbia – Black and White”, with the support of the Olof Palme International Center, a local dialogue session entitled “Draft Law on Internships: Between Better Youth Employability and the Risk of Abuse”. At the end of 2025, the public consultation on the Draft Law on Internships was concluded. The proposed law is intended to enable a quality transition of young people from education to the world of…
Renewed attacks on civil society are contradictory to Serbia’s European path
National Convention on the European Union (NCEU) The National Convention on the European Union strongly condemns the publication of articles by pro-government tabloids that falsely and maliciously link the Youth Initiative for Human Rights, a member of the NCEU, to the vandalization of monuments in Belgrade. These articles are part of a broader campaign of discreditation against civil society in Serbia, which has intensified and culminated over the past year. Numerous civil society organisations in Serbia have been subjected to similar attacks, clearly demonstrating the lack of political will for Serbia to make genuine progress on its path towards European…
Nataša Vučković Elected to the EU–Serbia Joint Consultative Committee (JCC)
Contributing to Addressing Socio-Economic Challenges in Serbia’s EU Accession Process Nataša Vučković, Secretary General of the Center for Democracy Foundation, has been elected as a member of the EU–Serbia Joint Consultative Committee (JCC), composed of representatives of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), civil society organizations, and social partners in the field of socio-economic development. The Joint Consultative Committee promotes dialogue and cooperation between social partners and other civil society organizations in the EU and Serbia, covering all relevant aspects of relations between the EU and Serbia in the process of accession negotiations. The JCC enables civil society organizations…
Financial Literacy as a Pathway to Youth Economic Independence in the Western Balkans
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe project In today’s rapidly changing economic environment, young people in the Western Balkans face a complex set of challenges. Entering the labour market, achieving financial stability, and planning an independent future often require navigating uncertainty, limited opportunities, and unequal access to information and resources. In this context, financial literacy emerges as a crucial life skill, closely linked to youth economic independence, social inclusion, and long-term social resilience. Social resilience, understood as the ability of societies to withstand and adapt to economic and social challenges, largely depends on the capacities of younger generations. Financially literate and…
Public Debate “Youth Against Corruption”
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe – RYDE The Academy for European Integration and Negotiations from Tirana (AIEN) organised a public debate titled “Youth Against Corruption” on 20 January 2026 at DUA Space. The event gathered 37 participants, consisting of youth from different sectors and organisations, as well as students. The panel discussion brought together specialists, including a Sector Manager in the Communication and International Cooperation Sector at the Directorate for Policy Implementation in the Field of Anti-Corruption, the Head of the Unit for Good Governance and the Rule of Law at IDRA, a Researcher and Lecturer in the Department of…
Regional Cooperation as a Shared European Value in the Western Balkans
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe project The Western Balkans has long been a region shaped by history, borders that changed often, and complex political relationships. For decades, the idea of cooperation across borders seemed distant, sometimes even unrealistic. Yet today, regional cooperation is no longer just a political slogan; it is increasingly recognized as a shared European value and a practical necessity for the Western Balkans on its path toward European integration. In a region marked by post-conflict recovery, economic transition, and social change, cooperation among neighboring countries is not only a requirement set by the European Union but also…
Urgent Amendments to Judicial Laws – Bypassing the Profession and European Standards and Amounting to Political Retaliation for “Disobedience”
National Convention on the European Union (NCEU) The Working Group of the National Convention on the European Union for Chapter 23 warns the public about the serious risks posed by the scheduling of an extraordinary session of the National Assembly for 14 January, at which amendments to systemic judicial laws will be considered under an urgent procedure.[1] The agenda of the extraordinary session includes the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on the High Prosecutorial Council, the Draft Law on Amendments and Supplements to the Law on the Seats and Jurisdictions of Courts and Public Prosecutors’ Offices, the Draft…
For Citizens in Serbia, the Rule of Law, an Independent Judiciary, Security for All, and Equality Before the Law Are Key
Interview with Nataša Vučković for TVP World Student protests, followed by mass civic protests across the country, indicate that there is very large and widespread dissatisfaction with the current government, and the key demands that the majority of citizens want to see in Serbia are the rule of law, an independent judiciary, a transparent public procurement system, a parliament that is functional and exercises control over the government, security for all citizens, and the equal application of the law to everyone, said Nataša Vučković, Secretary General of the Center for Democracy Foundation, in an interview for TVP World. The rule…
RYDE Youth Policy Labs
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe – RYDE RYDE Youth Policy Labs are dialogue sessions implemented within the framework of the Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe – RYDE project, funded by the European Union, aimed at strengthening structured dialogue between young people and policymakers at national and regional levels in order to jointly formulate recommendations for improving public policies relevant for youth in the Western Balkan countries. The primary goal is to ensure that young people from the region are actively involved in decision-making processes that address their needs and priorities and have an impact on their everyday lives. In addition…
Happy Holidays! Srećni praznici!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Fondacija Centar za demokratiju Vam želi srećne praznike!
