Public Call for Participation in the Winter School: Bridging the Gap between Serbia and Kosovo -Normalisation of Relations in Challenging Times

Dates: 14–16 October 2026
Place: Niš, Hotel Marica

The European Policy Centre (CEP) invites civil society representatives, young professionals and experts, journalists, researchers, and other interested individuals from Serbia and Kosovo to apply for a three-day Winter School dedicated to strengthening knowledge and capacities for monitoring the normalisation process between Belgrade and Pristina.

Building on the first Winter School, held in December 2025 in North (Kosovo) Mitrovica, CEP is continuing this initiative with the aim of bringing together participants from Serbia and Kosovo, encouraging the exchange of perspectives, and deepening their understanding of the dialogue and normalisation process. The second cycle of the Winter School will be organised in Niš, following the plan to alternate hosting between cities in Serbia and on the territory of Kosovo.

This year’s Winter School is organised within the project “Preserving Peace through Normalisation: Kosovo-Serbia Relations in Focus”, implemented by the European Policy Centre (CEP) with financial support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). The project focuses on contributing to peace preservation and advancing the normalisation process between Serbia and Kosovo, with particular attention to the role of civil society, transparency of the process, monitoring the implementation of agreed commitments, and fostering constructive dialogue.

Sbunker, a civil society organization based in Pristina, will provide support in organising the Winter School, while one of its experts will also contribute to selected project activities.

About the Winter School

The Winter School will bring together up to 12 participants from Serbia and Kosovo for an intensive three-day programme consisting of thematic lectures, discussions, practical exercises, and facilitated group work.

The programme will enable participants to deepen their understanding of the normalisation process between Belgrade and Pristina, peacebuilding, conflict prevention and reconciliation, as well as the role of civil society in monitoring the dialogue and implementation of agreements and in advocating for greater transparency and accountability. This year’s cycle will pay particular attention to the role of the EU and enlargement policy, as well as to the impact of other relevant third actors, such as the United States, Russia and Turkey, on the normalisation process.

Particular attention will be devoted to different perspectives and experiences of stakeholders from Serbia and Kosovo, as well as to exchanging views on the challenges and opportunities for advancing dialogue and regional cooperation.

Building on the previous cycle, this year’s programme will also involve alumni of the first Winter School in an appropriate capacity, with the aim of connecting the two generations of participants and encouraging further exchange and cooperation.

As in the previous cycle, the Winter School will also contribute to the preparation of a new Shadow Report on the state of the normalisation process, to be developed within the project.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• be residents of Serbia or Kosovo;
• be active in civil society, media, youth initiatives, academia, or public institutions;
• demonstrate an interest in EU integration, security, dialogue processes, and/or related fields;
• be able to attend the full three-day programme from 7 to 9 October 2026;
• have working proficiency in English, which will be the working language of the Winter School.

Application Deadline

15 September 2026

Selection Process

Participants will be selected by the European Policy Centre, and in cooperation with Sbunker, based on:

• motivation letter – clarity of motivation, relevance of interests, and potential to apply the knowledge and skills acquired;
• curriculum vitae (CV);
• demonstrated interest or existing experience in topics related to the Belgrade–Pristina dialogue, EU integration, civil society, peacebuilding, or regional cooperation;
• balance considerations, ensuring representation across gender, ethnic and local communities, sectors, and geographical areas.

The selection process will be completed by 25 September, and the list of selected participants will be published on the CEP and Sbunker websites on the same day.

Costs

The costs of participation in the programme are fully covered, including: accommodation, meals and travel expenses.

Details regarding travel arrangements will be communicated to selected participants.

How to Apply

Please submit your application through the following online form: https://forms.gle/AVPLn2Zyip5MxcmJA

Applicants are required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV) and a motivation letter as part of the application.

Contact

CEP: ljubica.kovacevic@cep.org.rs
Sbunker: hana@sbunker.net