We are excited to announce the selected ideas for funding through the EU TACSO People-to-People (P2P) on-demand initiative! The call for ideas, launched in March 2024, attracted 178 submissions from various CSOs and informal groups. After a comprehensive evaluation, these seven ideas were selected based on their relevance, impact, and potential for fostering long-term partnerships and collaboration.
Selected Ideas
Bridging Economic and Rule of Law Criteria for EU Integration for the Western Balkans
Proposing Organisation: European Policy Institute
This idea focuses on the EU’s recent introduction of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans (GPWB) and the expanded Rule of Law (RoL) Report, which now includes EU candidate countries. These initiatives are designed to promote both economic growth and legal reforms—key conditions for EU membership. By sharing methodologies and best practices from EU CSOs, this event will equip Western Balkans CSOs with the necessary tools to monitor and support the implementation of these reforms, ensuring adherence to EU governance and rule of law standards.
Digital Mentor: Building a Pool of Regional Experts to Catalyze CSOs’ Digital Transition
Proposing Organisation: Catalyst Balkans
This idea is part of a larger initiative to develop a network of CSOs and mentors across the Western Balkans and Visegrad Group, focusing on digital transition and fundraising. The event will facilitate knowledge exchange and kickstart the development of methodologies like MOOCs and roadmaps for CSOs to adopt digital tools. This collaboration will enhance the digital capacity of CSOs, providing them with a unified approach to tackle digital challenges and increase their effectiveness.
Using Artificial Intelligence to Navigate Migration Challenges in the Western Balkans
Proposing Organisation: Centre for Development Evaluation and Social Science Research on behalf of WB-MIGNET (Western Balkans Migration Network)
This idea addresses the pressing migration challenges in the Western Balkans. The event, a regional summer school, will explore the use of technologies like AI, blockchain, biometrics, and big data to manage migration flows. By bringing together CSOs and policymakers, this event will foster regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing, helping participants develop innovative, evidence-based policy solutions for migration management.
Reputation Reimagined: A Collaborative Bootcamp for Enhancing Civil Society
Proposing Organisation: Third Sector Foundation of Türkiye (TÜSEV)
This event is part of TUSEV’s ongoing efforts to improve the public perception of civil society in Türkiye. The three-day boot camp will gather CSO professionals to rethink civil society’s reputation and develop strategies for enhancing its legitimacy. The main outcome will be a collaboratively created manual with practical tips for improving CSOs’ public image, which will be widely distributed in both Turkish and English.
The Cybersecurity First Aid Bag for Marginalised Communities
Proposing Organisation: NGO 35MM
This idea focuses on addressing cybersecurity issues faced by marginalised communities in the Western Balkans. The event will provide representatives of grassroots CSOs with training on how to use the “Cybersecurity First Aid Bag,” which includes a cybersecurity checklist and digital skills training. These participants will be empowered to become trainers in their own communities, ensuring a sustainable approach to cybersecurity for marginalised groups.
Regional Conference on Safe Social Media Behaviour for Children
Proposing Organisation: Education Empowerment Initiative
This idea addresses the critical issue of digital literacy and online safety for children in the Western Balkans. The regional conference will bring together educators, parents, policymakers, and CSOs to discuss strategies for promoting safe online behaviour. Through workshops and panel discussions, the event will help build a network of stakeholders dedicated to fostering responsible digital citizenship for children in the region.
Preventing Direct and Indirect Discrimination of Women with Disabilities in Education, Employment, Family, and Community
Proposing Organisation: Opportunity Balance and Overcoming – National Resource Centre
This grassroots initiative aims to address the discrimination faced by women with disabilities in northern Albania. The event will focus on raising awareness and providing training to young people about these challenges. It will also create partnerships with local businesses and institutions to improve access to opportunities for women with disabilities, contributing to long-term change through advocacy and community-building efforts.
What’s Next?
The EU TACSO 3 team is working closely with these organisations to transform their ideas into impactful events. These events, set to kick off in November 2024, aim to foster collaboration, build capacities, and address key challenges in civil society across the Western Balkans and Türkiye.