WeBER Plus

The primary goal of this project is to empower civil society organisations operating in the Western Balkans by providing them with enhanced capabilities to actively engage in the design and implementation of public administration reform (PAR) that aligns with the European Union (EU) accession process. The target group, comprising CSOs from Serbia, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, will be equipped with strengthened monitoring and advocacy capacities, enabling them to effectively contribute to the policy dialogue on PAR with relevant authorities.

To achieve this objective, the project produces comprehensive regional and national PAR monitor reports for the years 2021 and 2022. These reports are based on evidence and analysis generated by CSOs and provide valuable insights into the progress and challenges related to public administration reform across the Western Balkans region. The findings of these reports are widely disseminated and promoted, not only within the Western Balkans but also among EU stakeholders, and they enhance the visibility and impact of CSO-led monitoring and analysis efforts. Furthermore, the project fosters collaborative partnerships between CSOs and PAR authorities (ministries/offices) in the target countries through the convening of meetings under the WeBER Platform and National PAR Working Groups. These platforms serve as crucial forums for constructive dialogue, allowing CSOs and government representatives to exchange ideas, share experiences, and jointly address priority issues concerning public administration reform.

Such engagements facilitate a more inclusive and participatory approach to the reform process, leading to better-informed policy decisions and more effective implementation. The importance of capacity-building for CSOs was recognised, and the project undertook a thorough assessment of training needs, priority PAR issues, and concerns expressed by CSOs. This assessment will be conducted through National PAR Working Groups and an online consultation tool, ensuring a participatory and representative approach to identify the most relevant areas for capacity development. Based on the findings, tailored training programs will be developed in collaboration with SIGMA/OECD and ReSPA, designed to equip CSOs with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to actively contribute to the PAR process.

Ultimately, this project will be seeking to strengthen civil society’s role as an influential and informed actor in shaping public administration reform in the Western Balkans. By providing CSOs with evidence-based tools, facilitating meaningful dialogue with PAR authorities, and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, the project aims to catalyze positive change, improve governance, and contribute to the region’s progress on the path to EU accession.