Transborder Exchange of Reform Practices: Decentralization and Citizens' Inclusion

    On December 1, 2004 IRIS International Security and Democratization Program started the implementation of the one-year project entitled Transborder Exchange of Reform Practices: Decentralization and Citizens’ Inclusion. The program was funded by the Open Society Institute – Sofia and was aimed at elaborating a strategy for applying an integrated system of cross-border transfer of Bulgarian experience and good practices to Macedonia in overcoming deficiencies of the decentralization process and sustaining the citizens’ support for necessary reforms within the context of the European integration.

The project particularly focused on the following domains: a) Efficiency and accountability of local authorities; b) Active civic involvement and potential for influencing the decision-making process; c) Sustainable and effective partnership among various institutions, state authorities, representatives of non-governmental and business organizations, as well as transborder cooperation.

Elaborating the strategy for transfer of experience and good practices from Bulgaria to Macedonia, IRIS adhered to the principles of regional cooperation and stability on the Balkans and resolution of remaining conflicts with concerted efforts based on modern European criteria and norms.

Implementing the project brought about the following results:

The know-how transfer facilitates the adoption of good governance practices at local level.

Strengthening the capacity of civil organizations for defending positions in decision-making processes advances the consolidation of democratic governance.

Representatives of different ethnic communities have participated in the project, which increases their capacity for active participation in various social activities.

The project provides for establishing a network of civil organizations and representatives of local authorities from both countries, which will cooperate and further develop the goals set out in the strategy.

Implementing the envisaged project activities promoted the efforts for confidence building among different ethnic communities in Macedonia as a part of the comprehensive process of integrating the country into the EU.

Implementing the project serves as blueprints for elaborating a model for sustainable development at local level that might be applicable in other countries of the Western Balkans on their way to Stabilization and Association.

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