Vučković in Brussels: Civil Society Ensures Citizens’ Voices Are Heard
Civil Society Week 2025 – European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) Nataša Vučković, President of the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA) and Secretary General of the Center for Democracy Foundation (CDF) stated in Brussels that civil societies ensure the voices of citizens are heard and that civil societies in Serbia need support and solidarity of the European Union. “Inclusive dialogue is only possible in an environment enabling mutual respect among its participants. Our shared task is to restore our the people’s trust in institutions,” Vučković said. Speaking at the closing session of Civil Society Week 2025, organised by the…
Citizens of Serbia Want a Democratically Transformed State
Nataša Vučković speaks in Brussels on civic protests in Serbia On 20 March 2025, the Press Club Brussels hosted a panel titled Balkan Talks: Citizens’ Uprising in Serbia, organised by the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA). In addition to Nataša Vučković, President of ALDA and the Secretary General of the Center for Democracy Foundation (CDF), speaking at the panel were Alessandra Moretti, Member of the European Parliament and the Vice-Chair of the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA and others. Nataša Vučković highlighted that contrary to the commonly held belief, current civil protests…
Stop Pressure and Intimidation of Serbian Citizens
National Convention on the European Union The National Convention on the European Union condemns the creation of an atmosphere of panic and intimidation ahead of the public gathering in Belgrade, scheduled for Saturday, March 15th, organized by students participating in the blockade from across Serbia. Peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are fundamental human rights, guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia, as well as by international conventions and commitments Serbia has undertaken in the process of European integration. We therefore call on all relevant authorities to act professionally, impartially, and in accordance with the law, ensuring that…
Roundtable: Key Issues in Labour Legislation in Serbia
Labour Rights and Decent Work in Socio Economic Reforms in Serbia – Black and White On 13 March 2025 in Belgrade, the Center for Democracy Foundation organised a roundtable discussion on the current state of labour legislation in Serbia. The event brought together relevant stakeholders, including independent experts, trade union representatives, employers, academia, and civil society, to analyse the existing legislative framework, discuss key challenges, and propose concrete steps for its improvement. The basis for the discussion was the study entitled Key Issues in Labour Legislation in Serbia, authored by Professor Bojan Urdarević and Assistant Jovana Misailović, prepared within the project “Labour Rights…
Reaction of the NCEU regarding the harassment of civil society organizations
The National Convention on the European Union (NCEU) condemns the raid by armed members of the Criminal Police Directorate on the premises of five civil society organizations, including NCEU members, without an appropriate court order. We believe this action, carried out under the orders of the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade under the pretext of verifying the spending of USAID funds, is politically motivated with the aim of intimidating and pressuring organizations and individuals who critically oppose the decisions and actions of the authorities. At a time when citizens across Serbia are taking to the streets demanding the respect…
Open Borders, Open Minds: Youth Advocating for a Connected Europe
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe (RYDE) The Regional Academy for Democratic Development has released a powerful video highlighting the benefits of European integration for the Western Balkans. The video was created as part of the Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe (RYDE) project, funded by the European Union. “Open borders, open minds. Freedom to move, freedom to grow. A connected Europe for curious young minds” – this the key message. This message reflects the vision of a region where young people have the opportunity to explore, learn, and contribute to a united and democratic Europe. Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe (RYDE)
Social Justice, Equality, and Justice – The Fundamental Values of a Democratic Society
CDF for Radio Belgrade I on the World Day of Social Justice The Center for Democracy Foundation marks the World Day of Social Justice by emphasizing the importance of building a society based on equal opportunities, equality, and access to social welfare and justice for all. Social justice must be embedded in all development programs. Eradicating poverty, achieving gender equality, ensuring equal access to education and healthcare, providing social support to vulnerable individuals and groups, guaranteeing decent work, and promoting sustainable development that preserves natural resources – these are priorities that must be set when shaping the future of our…
Bridging the Gap: Youth and Decision-Makers Discuss Digital Literacy in North Macedonia
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe (RYDE) In an effort to promote structured dialogue between young people and policymakers, the NGO Info Center Skopje has released a video highlighting the importance of policy labs in advancing digital literacy among youth. The video was created as part of the Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe (RYDE) project, funded by the European Union. “Policy labs provide a vital space for fostering dialogue between youth and decision-makers, bringing ideas into actions,“ said Gorjan, a student from North Macedonia, emphasizing the significance of these platforms in shaping policies that directly impact young people. Through initiatives like…
NIŠ: Public Debate “Strike in the Absence of a New Strike Law” – New Legislative Framework A Necessity
Labour Rights and Decent Work in Socio Economic Reforms in Serbia – Black and White The Foundation Center for Democracy organized a public debate on “Strike in the Absence of a New Strike Law” on February 19, 2025, in Niš as part of the project “Labour Rights and Decent Work in Socio-Economic Reforms in Serbia – Black and White” supported by the Olof Palme International Center. Participants in the discussion included Aleksandra Nikolić (GG Dr. Milić), Miodrag Stanković (City Councilor, Niš – Moj Grad), Vesna Kovačević (Employers’ Union of Serbia), Zorica Miladinović (News Correspondent, Danas), Slavica Petrović (Association of Disenfranchised…
Public Debate “Strike in the Absence of a New Strike Law”: New Legislative Framework A Necessity
Labour Rights and Decent Work in Socio Economic Reforms in Serbia – Black and White The Center for Democracy Foundation organized a public debate on February 13, 2025, in Belgrade as part of the project “Labour Rights and Decent Work in Socio-Economic Reforms in Serbia – Black and White” supported by the Olof Palme International Center. The debate focused on the topic “Strike in the Absence of a New Strike Law”. Participants included: Biljana Stojković, professor at the University of Belgrade and member of the Democratic Party; Bojan Urdarević, professor at the Faculty of Law; Milica Lupšor, Association ROZA; Nebojša Atanacković, Employers’ Union of Serbia; Duško Vuković, Confederation…
Regional Internship Program for Youth: Laila Šašivarević Gains New Knowledge and Experience at CDF
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe (RYDE) project As part of the Regional Internship Program, implemented through the Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe (RYDE) project with the support of the European Union, Laila Šašivarević from Sarajevo spent two months interning at the Center for Democracy Foundation in Belgrade. The program provides young people from the region with opportunities to gain new knowledge and work experience in civil society organizations outside their home countries, as well as to learn about European integration processes and policy reforms affecting youth. During her internship, which lasted from December 2024 to February 2025, Laila participated in…
Nataša Vučković: Transfer of Power
Authored article by Nataša Vučković for Novi Magazin (Serbian weekly) Autokomanda felt like the culmination of student actions, but Novi Sad surpassed it, leaving a deep mark on everyone who participated, listened, and watched. Images of young people marching persistently, devotedly, and unwaveringly through Serbia flooded the world, winning the hearts and souls of villagers and city dwellers alike, who welcomed them almost as liberators. Students as liberators – washing away layers of fear, hesitation, civic apathy, and resignation to a reality that once seemed to have no alternative. An amalgam of students, professors, and parents, joined by high school…
