The Next Generation: Youth Internships Empower Regional Change
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe – RYDE Across the Western Balkans, a new generation of civic leaders is rising – bold, passionate, and ready to shape the region’s future. Now, a unique opportunity is calling young changemakers to step up and make a tangible impact. The Academy of European Integration and Negotiations (AEIN) released a video highlighting transformative experiences of past RYDE interns and the program’s powerful role in fostering regional cooperation, intercultural exchange, and democratic values among Western Balkans youth. The video was created as part of the Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe (RYDE) project, funded by the European Union. The RYDE internship program is opening…
Press release of the National Convention on the European Union regarding the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide
National Convention on the European Union (NCEU) On the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, the National Convention on European Union emphasizes that it is a moral and human duty to remember all victims with reverence, and to unequivocally condemn any denial, minimization, or relativization of this crime particularly attempts to impose collective guilt. The glorification of convicted war criminals, the celebration of genocide, and its normalization through institutions or under the patronage of the Serbian authorities is not only profoundly unethical, but also politically disastrous. Citing poor practices in other countries in the region cannot serve as justification. The…
Debate: “Gender Gap in Serbia: Progress on Paper, Stagnation in Practice?”
Centre Dialogue – Social Forum Although the law prohibits discrimination based on gender, women in Serbia still face injustice on a daily basis – from being fired due to pregnancy, to being demoted at work, to a wage gap that increases with their level of education and experience – was the conclusion at the debate “Gender Gap in Serbia: Progress on Paper, Stagnation in Practice?” organized by the Center for Democracy Foundation on July 8, 2025, in cooperation with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation. Participants in the discussion included: Tijana Milošević, Office of the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality; Prof….
Press release of the National Convention on the European Union regarding the Excessive Use of Force Against Protesters
National Convention on the European Union (NCEU) The police’s brutal crackdown on protesters in Belgrade last night marks the culmination of an escalating pattern of repression against citizens exercising their right to peaceful protest. This escalation is not an isolated incident. It follows months of peaceful gatherings that began as a response to the tragic collapse of a station canopy in Novi Sad, which the authorities systematically ignored, discredited, and subjected to media smear campaigns. Since the mass civic protest on June 28, we have witnessed a deeply concerning trend of intensifying repression – from selective arrests and the presence…
Talk. Act. Activate! POLITEIA 2025 – Regional School for Young People Who Make a Difference!
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe – RYDE Are you ready to change things? Do you want your voice to be heard? Join the POLITEIA Regional School for Youth Participation 2025, taking place from September 21 to 27, 2025, in Belgrade, Serbia! POLITEIA is known as a school with tradition, yet always innovative and forward-thinking. Since 1997, when the first school for civil society was held, young people have gained valuable knowledge through this program about democracy, European values, and active societal participation. Thanks to its high-quality curriculum, dedicated lecturers, interactive working methods, and carefully selected participants, POLITEIA has grown into one of…
Visiting RYDE Partners and Sub-Grantees in the Region: Strengthening Youth Participation in the Western Balkans
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe – RYDE During June, representatives of the Center for Democracy Foundation, Dajana Ostojić and Katarina Stojković, visited partners and sub-grantees of the EU-funded project “Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe” in Sarajevo, Skopje, Pristina, North Mitrovica, and Tirana. In Skopje, we visited our partner organization NGO Info Center and sub-grantee LEAD – Leaders for Education, Activism and Development; in Kosovo, our partner Kosovar Stability Initiative and sub-grantee New Social Initiative; in Tirana, partner organizations Academy of European Integration and Negotiations (AIEN) and Youth Act Center (YA), and sub-grantee Beyond Barriers Association; and in Sarajevo, sub-grantees I Would Like to Be in the EU and PROI…
Bold Ideas, Real Impact: Western Balkans Youth Driving Change with the Active Achievement Fund
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe – RYDE Got a bold idea? The Active Achievement Fund is here to back it. Designed for informal youth groups across the Western Balkans, the Fund empowers young people to think boldly, act locally, and connect regionally. The Kosovar Stability Initiative (IKS) released a video highlighting regional cooperation and mobilization for youth participation awareness raising activities. The video was created as part of the Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe (RYDE) project, funded by the European Union. Open to Western Balkan youth (alumni of the Politeia School, RYDE interns, participants of Politeia thematic sessions, etc.) the initiative supports youth-led activities – from awareness…
Call for a Regional Internship Program 2025 is open!
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe – RYDE We are pleased to announce a great opportunity for 5 young people from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia to attend a paid internship in civil society organizations from Western Balkans. If you are a young person who wish to gain firsthand experience in civil society in Belgrade, Pristina, Sarajevo, Tirana or Skopje in a period of two months, learn about European integration, contribute to youth participation and structured dialogue and connect with young people from the region, apply for internship at this link. Deadline for submitting applications is 25th July 2025. You are an ideal candidate if…
Local Democracy Ensures that the Voices of Citizens and the Needs of the Community are Heard
Annual Conference of the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) 2025. The President of the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA) and Secretary General of the Center for Democracy Foundation (CDF), Nataša Vučković, participated in the Annual Conference of the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), held on June 19, 2025, in Brussels. The conference brought together key actors from across Europe to exchange views on the state of democracy and strategies for its renewal. Discussions covered the future of democracy, new approaches in EU policy, international funding, the role of philanthropy, civil society, civic protests, and more. Speaking on the panel titled “From Crisis…
Call for Proposals for the Active Achievement Fund for Regional Informal Groups is open!
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe – RYDE We are officially launching the open Call for Proposals for the Active Achievement Fund for Regional Informal Groups within the framework of the project Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe funded by the European Union. The main objective of this Call is to strengthen creative groups in the Western Balkans, particularly informal ones, by providing financial support for initiatives aiming to: 1. Increase youth activism in their communities and participation in structured dialogue with decision makers on public policies relevant to youth 2. Advocate for the adoption of European values and strengthening of democratic and responsible institutions 3. Promote…
CDF Granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council
Advocating for the Promotion and Protection of Economic and Social Rights of Citizens and Vulnerable Social Groups The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) has adopted the recommendation of the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations to grant the Center for Democracy Foundation (CDF) special consultative status. The Center for Democracy Foundation has been recognized for its longstanding work and commitment to promoting and protecting economic and social rights. CDF expresses its satisfaction with the opportunity to contribute its expertise and experience to the realization of the rights of all citizens, especially those from vulnerable social groups, through engagement and active cooperation with the UN Economic and Social…
“How to Strengthen Your Position in Supply Chains: ESG in Practice for Local Suppliers”
Initiative for Global Solidarity (IGS) Milena Mićović Trajković, representative of the Center for Democracy Foundation, participated in the conference titled “How to Strengthen Your Position in Supply Chains: ESG in Practice for Local Suppliers”, held on June 10, 2025, in Belgrade. The event focused on improving the implementation of responsible business principles, including ESG standards and due diligence practices within supply chains. The conference was organized by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, as part of the Initiative for Global Solidarity (IGS). Center for Democracy Foundation RECOMMENDED: Promotion of Due Diligence in the Protection of Human Rights and the Environment (HREDD) >>>
