Civil Society and Youth Engagement in the Western Balkans 3 pages, pdf  Download Back

Civil Society and Youth Engagement in the Western Balkans

Publisher: Civil Society Forum of the Western Balkans

Volume: 3 pages, pdf

Description:

Civic education – Civic education is not integrated in the education systems in the countries of the Western Balkans and it is not explicitly mentioned in their youth policy frameworks. Young people lack information on what civic engagement is and on participation opportunities. - Youth legal framework – the youth legal and policy framework is an under-regulated area in the countries of the Western Balkans. No efficient mechanisms for integration of youth perspectives into public policy can be identified, and current legal and policy frameworks do not encourage youth participation and activism. - Volunteering – lack of conducive environment in the region for volunteering. Volunteering is not sufficiently promoted among the youth, resulting in lack of information about volunteering opportunities in and outside the home countries. The lack of volunteering environment is also affected by poor institutional, legal and policy frameworks in the region. Constructive dialogue between CSOs and governments – insufficiently developed relations and cooperation between governments and CSOs for reforms and general decision making processes. There is still lack of involvement of CSOs, deriving from the lack of acknowledgment of the CSO sector as an important state actor.

Shrinking civic space – Issues in and limitation of space for civil society to speak out and to act in promoting democratic values and the importance of civic participation of citizens but also to influence political and social structures. Non-supportive environment from governmental bodies. - Financial sustainability and continuous access to funding – CSOs in the region are faced with limited tax incentives and insufficient state funding. The state funding distribution is still not in line with transparency and accountability standards that allow for easy, equal, fair and effective access for CSOs. - The recommendations will be focused on finding solutions in overcoming the issues explained and on promoting regional reconciliation, especially among the youth because of the fact that they represent the future decision makers in the region. The policy brief, along with explaining the issues, will offer such recommendations to Western Balkans, EU and member states decision makers which will explore the possible ways of financial support by the EU and member states, transparent and inclusive meetings between the EU and the countries/CSOs and governments and youth, as well as the reform of legal and policy frameworks.