This handbook presents a set of guidelines promoting a shared regional understanding of good governance while showing how to turn abstract theory into workable practice.
View moreThe second Annual FSTP Community of Practice meeting was organised to reflect on the achievements in the past year, discuss the key issues and regional practices in grant management, and share their vision of the future development of the community of practice established.
View moreThis learning brief is based on the outcomes of a learning workshop organised by the EU TACSO 3 project in October 2022.
View moreThe first CSO Governance Community of Practice Regional Meeting was organised in Belgrade, Serbia on 11 – 12 May 2023 with the purpose to initiate communication on: Good practices we have in the EU and in the region. Discuss capacity-building modalities that will fit the best to the needs of the CSOs and CSO networks implementing large and multi-country projects in the region. Initiate building of the community of practitioners interested in exploring the area of CSO governance including practices, knowledge, skills, documents etc. The event gathered 59 representatives of CSOs and CSO networks from the EU, Western Balkans and Türkiye and EU TACSO 3 team.
View moreThis report presents the first assessment against the revised DG NEAR Guidelines for EU Support to Civil Society in the Enlargement Region, 2021-2027. The Guidelines outline the results towards which EU support to civil society in the enlargement region will aspire in this seven-year period. This assessment provides evidence for the situation against the Guidelines’ indicators for 2021 which is the baseline year.
View morePresentations cover topics like FSTP, sub-granting procedures, human rights mechanism strengthening, Roma inclusion, organisational sustainability, etc.
View moreThe brochure presents a collection of good practices on FSTP - various existing approaches, experiences and lessons learned from the field. It is structured around three main topics: Call and Selection Procedures, Capacity Development, and Monitoring and Reporting to EU/Communication Results. The brochure is intended for civil society partners, potential future applicants, implementers of EU support and DG NEAR staff in delegations and headquarters.
View moreThe webinar contributed to sharing knowledge and experiences regarding grant narrative and financial reporting. It also aimed to contribute to the capacity building of the CSOs in the Western Balkans and Turkey and to improve reporting skills and the quality of the reports.
View moreThis training programme for CSOs in Turkey and Western Balkans aimed to highlight the importance of promoting and protecting human rights and gender equality by developing and implementing strategies, activities and practices that promote human rights, dignity, equality, non-discrimination, and social justice. The training also aimed to strengthen the organizational development of CSOs to internalise an inclusive perspective and HRBA by taking into account the principle of the intersectionality of rights. Additionally, it encouraged the adoption of a rights-based perspective and gender equality in all CSO activities, in particular humanitarian aid, giving-based activities, service provision in emergency response.
View moreThis training programme for CSOs in Turkey and Western Balkans aimed to encourage CSOs to integrate human rights principles and gender equality into their internal policies and operational activities. CSOs were also encouraged to become more inclusive and participatory in terms of respecting, protecting and fulfilling the full range of human rights.
View moreThere is a considerable number of funding sources available to CSOs in Montenegro, but the total amounts of money on offer are modest. The Needs Assessment Report focuses on each country’s specific information gathering and analysis of the institutional areas that need to be strengthened. The report also highlights the capabilities of the country’s CSOs. This assessment allows for each country to make a more tailored strategy to apply to better support the CSOs.
View moreAlbania is unusual in not requiring a minimum endowment for the registration of foundations, considerably easing their establishment. The study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of civil society in Albania and the environment that it works in, including its strengths and weaknesses, its impacts to date and the challenges it faces to its further development.
View moreThe institutionalization of civil society-Government cooperation in Croatia began with the establishment of the GOfCNGOs in 1998. The Needs Assessment Report focuses on the country’s specific information gathering and analysis of the institutional areas that need to be strengthened. The report also highlights the capabilities of the country’s CSOs. This assessment allows for each country to make a more tailored strategy to apply to better support the CSOs.
View moreThe legal framework CSOs in Macedonia is defined by the Law on Citizen Associations and Foundations passed in 1998. The Needs Assessment Report focuses on the country’s specific information gathering and analysis of the institutional areas that need to be strengthened. The report also highlights the capabilities of the country’s CSOs. This assessment allows for each country to make a more tailored strategy to apply to better support the CSOs.
View moreThe Inception Report describes the progress made within the Project’s first few months. The Report goes into detail on accomplishments, challenges and future endeavors. The report also gives an overview of the staff and office locations.
View moreThere are many formal and informal NGO networks in BiH, organized based on sub-sector interest (e.g. Environment, youth and women) or geographical location. The Needs Assessment Report focuses on the country’s specific information gathering and analysis of the institutional areas that need to be strengthened. The report also highlights the capabilities of the country’s CSOs. This assessment allows for each country to make a more tailored strategy to apply better.
View moreWith the adoption of a new Law on Foundations in February 2008, the legal framework in Turkey governing the operations of all CSOs, including associations, short-term “platforms,” and foundations, has been significantly improved and brought in line with international standards for enabling civil society activity.
View moreThe Needs Assessment Report focuses on the country’s specific information gathering and analysis of the institutional areas that need to be strengthened. The report also highlights the capabilities of the country’s CSOs. This assessment allows for each country to make a more tailored strategy to apply to better support the CSOs.
View morePlanning has been done in detail from September 2010 until February 2011.
View morePlanning has been done in detail from September 2010 until February 2011.
View morePlanning has been done in detail from March 2011 until August 2011.
View morePlanning has been done in detail from September 2010 until February 2011.
View morePlanning has been done in detail from September 2010 until February 2011.
View moreThe Needs Assessment Report focuses on each country’s specific information gathering and analysis of the institutional areas that need to be strengthened. The report also highlights the capabilities of the country’s CSOs. This assessment allows for each country to make a more tailored strategy to apply to better support the CSOs.
View moreThis report gives an account of the project activities conducted during the period from mid-August 2009 to the end of February 2010. Project implementation started in mid-August 2009. National-level activities are coordinated by a so-called TA Desk in each beneficiary country (two offices in Turkey). Local Advisory Groups (LAGs) consisting of stakeholder representatives assist in setting priorities and elaborating work plans within the context of the overall project ToR. At the regional level, project activities are supported by and coordinated by an office in Sarajevo.
View moreThe national training program has been developed in consultation with the Local Advisory Group and it reflects the priority needs of CSOs identified by the Needs Assessment report. The national training program has been developed in consultation with the Local Advisory Group and it reflects the priority needs of CSOs identified by the Needs Assessment report. The national training programme takes into account experiences from the implementation of the regional training. It also integrates other country-specific topics. It is planned the national training programme to be implemented in the period from June 2010-May 2011.
View moreFollowing the request of the Department for Registration and liaison with NGOs, the TACSO Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/99 Office enabled a Study Visit to Croatia with a focus on visiting the Croatian Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs.
View moreThe national training program has included experiences in the implementation of the regional pilot trainings as well as experiences specific to Montenegro. The national training program has been developed in accordance with the Needs Assessment report, National working plan and conclusions from the Local Advisory Group. The national training program has included experiences in the implementation of the regional pilot trainings as well as experiences specific to Montenegro.
View moreThe training program was conducted in the period August-October/November 2010. This quarterly national training program has been developed by the Needs Assessment report, National work plan and conclusions from the meetings of the Local Advisory Group. The national training program has taken into consideration the experiences of the implementation of the regional training as well as the Kosovo context.
View moreThis document provides a set of suggested training and consultancy activities, with guidelines on methods and methodologies, for TACSO teams carrying out the capacity-building intervention.
View moreTACSO Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/99 Office started the support to the EIDHR call through the first round of half-day informative/training sessions on PADOR registration in nine locations of Kosovo for 96 CSOs. In this report, read more about: how the TACSO Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/99 Office provided support, the information sessions, PADOR required documents and information, and FAQ.
View moreIn the period from 19 to 22 July 2010, representatives from the Unit for Cooperation with NGOs realized a study visit to the Office for Cooperation with NGOs of the Republic of Croatia. The study visit aimed to familiarize the participants with the grant schemes management system intended for the CSOs, the activities of the institutions in the Republic of Croatia that implement the projects financed by EU funds (IPA program), and the introduction of a centralized and decentralized implementation system.
View moreThis report’s overall purpose is to provide a basis for refining TACSO’s programme support to both civil societies and government authorities of the IPA countries for establishing the full range of institutional arrangements necessary for the sustainable development of effective civil society. To this end, the report concludes by identifying priorities for strengthening the process in each country and by making specific recommendations to the TACSO project in general and TACSO country teams, in particular, to support the process in practical ways.
View moreEven though in June 2011 there were early parliamentary elections, neither radical institutional changes particularly changes in the policies towards CSOs did not occur nor they are expected shortly. This is due to the victory of the already leading party (VMRO – DPMNE); thus, the prime minister remained the same, and the Government, although with some minor changes in its officials, kept the general course of their policies and the attitude towards the CSOs.
View moreA comparative summary of the eight-country CSO needs assessments. This report’s overall purpose is to provide a basis for refining TACSO’s programme of capacity development support to civil society organizations in the IPA countries, both at the regional and national levels. The report is also intended to equip local and international development agencies, as well as governments in the IPA countries, with the information necessary to instigate further appropriate and responsive organizational support and capacity-building actions for CSOs and civil society more generally.
View moreThe Albanian CSO sector is relatively underdeveloped. There are around 1600 registered CSOs, but roughly 450 of them are active (2011 surveys). Most active CSOs are located in Tirana which also has local offices and is active at the community level. In general, the membership base of associations is limited.
View moreNeeds Assessment Report for CSOs in 2010 recognized the lack of transparency of CSOs. The report recommended further actions on improvement of CSOs' transparency. The main purpose of the publication “Annual Financial Reports of CSOs in Montenegro – 2010” is to contribute to the improvement of relations between civil society and external stakeholders.
View moreThis Needs Assessment methodology was designed to guide the assignment and represents a comprehensive set of activities and approaches that produced the key deliverables promptly, while also methodically reaching and engaging project teams in M&E functions and activities using experiential learning approaches aimed at strengthening their Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) capacity through the tailor-made training conducted by the Consultant.
View moreThe report presents an update of a similar report carried out in 2009, not a comprehensive new research. Information provided is based on the desktop research of relevant documentation, including legal and financial legislation, policy documents, previous civil society mappings and research, insight into the Registry of CSOs, input produced by the Local Advisory Group (LAG) members as well as inputs provided by representatives of 48 CSOs during the consultation sessions organized in Belgrade, Novi Sad and Niš in mid-September 2011. Additionally, the report includes preliminary data of the current baseline survey on the CSO sector in Serbia in the period of August – September 2011.
View moreThe IPA Region CSO Environment and Capacities: Update of the Regional Needs Assessment and Recommendations Report represents a compilation of individual country Needs Assessment Reports from the Western Balkan countries and Turkey. Even though there are differences and specificities in the CSO environment and capacities among the countries covered by the project Technical Assistance for Civil Society Organisations (TACSO) in the Western Balkans and Turkey, a substantive regional perspective or unification may still be observed in all aspects that include the legal framework governing the registration and operations of the CSOS, government – CSO relations, government funding for the CSOs, human resources, external relations and material and financial capacities.
View moreThis study is one of eight country needs assessments of civil society capacities conducted as a preliminary activity within the EC-funded project Technical Assistance to Civil Society (TACSO) in IPA Countries (EuropeAid/127427/C/SER/Multi/5 – additional services). The study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of civil society in Montenegro and the environment that it works in, including its strengths and weaknesses, its impacts to date and the challenges it faces to its further development.
View moreThis study is one of eight country needs assessments of civil society capacities conducted as a preliminary activity within the EC-funded project Technical Assistance to Civil Society (TACSO) in IPA Countries (EuropeAid/127427/C/SER/Multi/5 – additional services). The study aims to provide an update on the comprehensive assessment of civil society in Bosnia and Herzegovina that was conducted in 2009. This updated study also contains new developments in the environment in which civil society operates. The study provides insight into the strengths and weaknesses of civil society, its impacts to date and the challenges it faces to its further development.
View moreThis study is one of eight country needs assessments of civil society capacities conducted as a preliminary activity within the EC-funded project Technical Assistance to Civil Society (TACSO) in IPA Countries (EuropeAid/127427/C/SER/Multi/5 – additional services). The revised needs assessment aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of civil society in Albania and the relevant working environment, including its strengths, weaknesses, and its impacts to date, as well as the challenges it faces in its further development.
View moreThis study is one of eight country needs assessments of civil society capacities conducted as a preliminary activity within the EC-funded project Technical Assistance to Civil Society (TACSO) in IPA Countries. The study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of civil society in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the environment that it works in, including its strengths and weaknesses, its impacts to date and the challenges it faces to its further development.
View moreThis study is one of eight country needs assessments of civil society capacities conducted as a preliminary activity within the EC-funded project Technical Assistance to Civil Society (TACSO) in IPA Countries. The study is to provide a comprehensive assessment of civil society in Turkey and the environment that it works in, including its strengths and weaknesses, its impacts to date and the challenges it faces to its further development.
View moreOne of the post-election priorities in Turkey has become the creation of a new constitution. The government has made this a priority and has established the Constitutional Commission within the parliament, inclusive of the different political parties in parliament, and responsible for drafting the new constitution. It is essential at this time, that civil society also become part of this process, and that mechanisms for participation are defined in advance to ensure that all groups can express their views on a new constitution.
View moreThe group discussed articles of the draft relating to the status and protection of asylum seekers. Turkey has been lacking a functioning asylum system and relevant legislation. The Ministry of Interior has prepared a draft asylum law to define Turkey’s asylum system in line with the European Union policies. This draft law is on the agenda of the Ministry, and it is expected that the final draft will be submitted to the Parliament after being reviewed by the Prime Ministry.
View moreWorld Disability Union Assembly was realized in Istanbul WOW Hotel on October 22, 2011 with the participation of 120 representatives from 65 countries and the support of TACSO. The establishment of the Union was ratified in the Assembly and both the Management Mechanism and Specialty Commissions were selected. Furthermore, through the sessions held with the participation of several CSOs and representatives of public institutions, issues like ’’Universal Standards for People with Disabilities’’, ’’Universal Design in Architecture’’, “Accessibility in Terms of UN Legislation’’, ’’Home and Museum Without Hindrances’’ were discussed.
View moreInitiating its second phase, the project Technical Assistance to capacity building of the Civil Society Organisations in the Western Balkan and Turkey, TACSO organized a joint regional conference with EU DG Enlargement on Reflections and Elaborations of IPA CSF Future Perspectives and of TACSO 2 Planning for the Local Advisory Group (LAGs) members, European Union Programming Committee (EUPC), European Union (EU) and European Union Delegation (EUD) representatives as well as TACSO representatives from 24 – 26 October 2011 in Pristina.
View moreThe survey is a follow-up research aimed at establishing changes that took place since the last research in 2010 and at the same time identifying new circumstances related to the current social and economic context in BiH in light of TACSO’s sphere of interest. This time the research was expanded with the method of in-depth interviews with representatives of non-governmental organizations.
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