The aim of the project is to strengthen the contribution and participatory role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the EU integration process in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through analysis of the current situation and development of recommendations for more effective engagement, the project will build on an exchange of experiences and best practices from Western Balkan countries. Project activities are focused on increasing cooperation between CSOs and government institutions at all levels, as well as strengthening CSO capacities for active participation in the EU integration process.
Specific objectives of the project are:
• SO1: Develop models for civil society participation during the candidate status phase of EU integration, based on experiences and best practice models from Western Balkan countries (Montenegro, Croatia, North Macedonia, Serbia);
• SO2: Increase cooperation among CSOs in BiH with existing institutional structures supporting CSOs in the EU integration process, as well as with other relevant government representatives at all levels;
• SO3: Strengthen CSO capacities for an active and relevant role in the EU integration process during candidate status, through capacity building and awareness-raising based on defined innovative models of civil society participation in the EU accession process.
The implementation of the project will benefit various stakeholders crucial for strengthening civil society and advancing the EU integration process in BiH and the region. Primarily, targeted CSOs in BiH will benefit from direct involvement in project activities, which will enable better connectivity, experience-sharing, and capacity-building for more effective advocacy in the EU integration process. Additionally, CSOs from Western Balkan countries (Montenegro, Croatia, North Macedonia, Serbia) will benefit through knowledge and experience exchange, contributing to enhanced regional cooperation and alignment of accession processes.
Government institutions in BiH at different administrative levels—including the Council of Ministers, the Directorate for European Integration (DEI), the Governments of the Federation of BiH, Republika Srpska, and Brčko District, government agencies, and local governments—will have the opportunity to use project results to improve cooperation with civil society. This can enhance decision-making processes and ensure a more inclusive approach to EU integration. Furthermore, the Advisory Board of the BiH Council of Ministers for Cooperation with NGOs and the EU Integration Monitoring Initiative will receive concrete analyses and recommendations to better structure cooperation with CSOs and align practices with EU standards.
How will the benefits be achieved?
• Through mapping and analysis of the civil sector in BiH and the region, organizations and institutions will gain a clear overview of the current state, key challenges, and recommendations for improving cooperation in the EU integration process;
• By producing an analysis document and a policy brief, innovative models of civil society participation based on best regional practices will be offered;
• By presenting cooperation models between government and civil sectors, institutions will have the opportunity to draw on regional experiences to improve their cooperation mechanisms with CSOs;
• Through consultative meetings, educational workshops, and panel discussions, CSOs, institutions, and the broader public will be informed about the importance of civil society participation in decision-making processes.
All these activities will contribute to strengthening the role of civil society in the EU integration process, improving intersectoral cooperation, and increasing citizen engagement in policy-making.