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Research "Use of EU funds by municipalities in Macedonia"

Research "Use of EU funds by municipalities in Macedonia"

The purpose of this research is to provide an objective analysis of the use of European funds by municipalities, ie to study the key challenges faced by municipalities in applying and implementing European projects and to propose measures for greater inclusion and better use of EU funds than side of the municipalities in the Republic of Macedonia.

Document „EPD - Democracy Support Fact Sheet“

Document „EPD - Democracy Support Fact Sheet“

Local self-government outlines the right and the ability of local authorities, within the limits of the law, to regulate and manage a substantial share of public affairs. In a local democracy this right is 
conferred to councils or assemblies composed of members freely elected by secret ballot and directly accountable to their own local constituency. This adheres to the principle of subsidiarity, which ensures that problems are addressed by those institutions and civil society groups that are most competent and closest to citizens.

Document „European Charter of Local Self-Government“

Document „European Charter of Local Self-Government“

Considering that the aim of the Council of Europe is to achieve a greater unity between its members for the purpose of safeguarding and realising the ideals and principles which are their common heritage; Considering that one of the methods by which this aim is to be achieved is through agreements in the administrative field; Considering that the local authorities are one of the main foundations of any democratic regime; Considering that the right of citizens to participate in the conduct of public affairs is one of the democratic principles that are shared by all member States of the Council of Europe; Considering that it is at local level that this right can be most directly exercised; Convinced that the existence of local authorities with real responsibilities can provide an administration which is both effective and close to the citizen;

Document „Strategy for cooperation of the Government with the Civil Society“

Document „Strategy for cooperation of the Government with the Civil Society“

In 2007, the Government of the Republic of Macedonia adopted the first Strategy for Cooperation of the Government with the Civil Society and the Action Plan 2007-2011. There, the Government emphasized the importance of the civil society in general, thereby setting the ground for its cooperation with CSOs and took a systematic approach in strengthening the basic conditions for a faster and more efficient development of this sector. The Strategy refers to the cooperation with associations and foundations, as part of the wider civil society sector, with the aim of ensuring inclusive 
process and engagement of the civil society in policy making processes. In the period following the adoption of the Strategy, a number of activities were undertaken, each with the aim of implementing the goals and measures and strengthening the sector. Following the example of that Strategy, a number of other strategies and documents were adopted, through which institutions on both a national and local level expressed their commitments to develop certain areas important for the work of the civil society and to include CSOs in inter-sectorial initiatives.

Document „Law on Local Self-Government of the Republic of Macedonia“

Document „Law on Local Self-Government of the Republic of Macedonia“

This law regulates: the competencies of the municipality; the direct participation of the citizens in the decision-making; the organization and work of the municipal bodies; municipal administration; acts of the authorities; property-ownership of the municipality; supervision over the work of the municipal bodies; dissolution of the municipal council; mechanisms of cooperation between the municipalities and the Government of the Republic of Macedonia; local government; protection of local self-government; determination of official languages ​​in the municipalities and other issues of importance for the local self-government.

Document „Co-operation between public Authorities and civil society At local level in republic of Macedonia“

Document „Co-operation between public Authorities and civil society At local level in republic of Macedonia“

The main goal of the study is to inspect the mechanisms for cross-sectoral cooperation and dialogic mechanisms at the local level and on that basis to make a series of recommendations for further development of the methodology and transparent system of financial and non-financial support for CSOs, at the local level. Effective, functional and sustainable mechanisms for cooperation are a key precondition for creating an enabling environment for active participation of civil society and civic activism at the local level. These principles, of course, include basic principles: respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, the rule of law, respect for basic democratic principles, political engagement, clear procedures, and open space for dialogue and encouragement of conditions for an energetic, pluralistic and sustainable civil society.

Publication "Research on the Financial and Non-Financial Support of Civil Society Organizations by the Local Authorities"

Publication "Research on the Financial and Non-Financial Support of Civil Society Organizations by the Local Authorities"

How do the municipalities support CSOs? Has the cooperation between the local government and the civil sector improved? Which municipalities have publicly announced a call for projects? The publication "Research on the Financial and Non-Financial Support of Civil Society Organizations by the Local Authorities" contains the answers to these questions and much more.

Manual for promoting the principles of democratic governance in the councils of local self-government units

Manual for promoting the principles of democratic governance in the councils of local self-government units

Since the beginning of the decentralization process in 2005, several organizations have implemented programs to build the capacity of municipal bodies. With the last local elections in the country in 2017, the new municipal councils were established and the function of member / member of the council was taken over by a total of 1347 elected representatives in all 81 units of local self-government. Many of them took office for the first time. The OSCE Mission to Skopje throughout this period has been implementing programs to support elected representatives and representatives in municipal councils.

Local self-government and administration of Kosovo

Local self-government and administration of Kosovo

Kosovo's local self-government reform became a prominent issue in early October 2002, with the publication of the Seven Planning Points for Mitrovica by the then Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Michael Steiner. Steiner's plan was to decentralize local government in exchange for Kosovo Serb participation in the October 2002 local elections. Although the offer to the Serbian community was a dubious success in this regard, decentralization remained on the agenda, with the Secretary-General's Special Representative calling for a broader process involving all Kosovo municipalities.

Manual for promoting the principles of democratic governance in the councils of local self-government units

Manual for promoting the principles of democratic governance in the councils of local self-government units

For the proper functioning of the Council as a "legislative" body at the local level, which conducts policy and adopts acts in the municipality, it is essential that its members have critical knowledge of the legal rights and competencies they have chosen. Therefore, we believe that this Handbook will greatly facilitate the acquisition of the necessary knowledge of all members, that will solve some of the dilemmas that the members of the councils face in relation to the legal work. In the end, we hope that the use of the Manual will contribute to greater efficiency, effectiveness, transparency and oversight in the performance of the advisory function at the local level. The manual provides an opportunity for reflection, which means that opens the horizon for further action and the creation of greater political will by local elected representatives in order to develop local democracy.

Municipalities in the Republic of Macedonia and EU funds

Municipalities in the Republic of Macedonia and EU funds

EU enlargement is a two-way process. The new member states benefit from being part of the world's largest trade bloc, with more than 500 million consumers. On the other hand, the EU benefits from expanding into new territories, accepting new cultures and connecting with new markets. Recently, this process has taken on new dimensions as the EU begins to integrate countries on its eastern borders. Many countries have had to undertake major reforms - economic, political and social - in order to meet EU membership criteria. Although these reforms bring prosperity at the national level, they also impose costly domestic investment and present challenges on the road to EU accession. In order to facilitate the accession process, the EU has created various types of assistance, both financial and technical.

Local government and local democracy - A case study: Barcelona

Local government and local democracy - A case study: Barcelona

Local government in Europe has seen significant changes over the past two decades. In spite of the several differences between the European countries in terms of local autonomy, local government has become a key element in their political systems mainly for two reasons. Firstly, local government organisations are in charge of the delivery of some services such as education, welfare and urban planning. Secondly, the principles and practice of democracy are learnt, developed and reinforced most effectively in the context of local politics, where participation is relatively easy and the rewards more immediate.

ALDA - Local authorities and NGOs together for peace and democracy in Europe

ALDA - Local authorities and NGOs together for peace and democracy in Europe

In the discussions about the current crisis of the European Union caused by “NOs” to the Constitutional Treaty in France and the Netherlands, one sometimes forgets that all in all the construction of the European Union is more than a success story! Europe is currently experiencing an unprecedented period of stability and peace. 60 years after the end of the Second World War, 27 European countries are constructing their common future based on the values of peace, democracy and human rights. The project “Cities acting for Peace and Democracy in Europe” therefore intended to bring local authorities, NGOs and young people together to evaluate and debate their role in the construction of a peaceful and democratic Europe.

Draft-Analysis: Good governance of municipal democracy and civic participation at the level of local self-government

Draft-Analysis: Good governance of municipal democracy and civic participation at the level of local self-government

The project entitled "Good governance of municipal democracy and civic participation at the local government level" contains activities aiming at initiating social change at the local level in the Republic of Macedonia, also aiming at consistent practice of democratic values ​​and uninterrupted participation of citizens in local decision making. By examining the situation in 8 selected municipalities in the Republic of Macedonia in terms of: their management of public finances, fiscal transparency, control and audit of public spending, the undertaken reform activities and initiatives by citizens in the last 3 years, we will get information about the species and the quantum of activities undertaken at the local level at the initiative of the citizens.

Manual for the decentralization process in the Republic of Macedonia - Me and my municipality

Manual for the decentralization process in the Republic of Macedonia - Me and my municipality

Decentralization of power means the release of the central government from part of its competencies and their transfer to the local level, to the municipalities and the City of Skopje. With the decentralization of power, many of the issues that are extremely important to citizens have gained local significance. In that way, the citizens got the opportunity to directly participate in the organization of the most vital areas of their lives.

Democracy at the local level

Democracy at the local level

As democracy is not an event but a complex and continuous process, it is essential that its inception and development are properly managed and nurtured. It is in this regard that this handbook will be a very useful tool in the process of promoting and developing democracy at the local level. It will be an essential reference document for all those who are involved in the political and administrative processes of democratization. It will enhance people’s capacity to manage diversity and to design appropriate systems to suit various levels and degrees of democratization.

Handbook for mayors and municipal council member of the Republic of Macedonia

Handbook for mayors and municipal council member of the Republic of Macedonia

This handbook will enable you to learn about all the information and legislation necessary to help you successfully perform your duties over the course of the next four years. The sooner you become acquainted with the legal framework, the better you can begin to perform these duties. To a large extent, your performance over the course of your term in office is dependent upon your knowledge of the laws pertaining to local self-government. It is thus important that you understand that local self-government has been given a special position within this country's constitution and laws. Therein, you are charged with an even greater obligation to perform well so as to justify the faith that citizens have entrusted to you.

Local and regional government in Europe

Local and regional government in Europe

Today, CEMR is the broadest organisation representing European local and regional governments. Its members are 54 national associations of municipalities and regions from 40 European countries, representing over 100 000 local and regional authorities. Our strength relies on a strong cooperation between the General Secretariat, based both in Brussels and Paris, experts from our member associations and active local and regional politicians. Together, we advocate a true partnership between all actors of the European governance and for the application of the principle of subsidiarity—matters that should be handled by the lowest or least centralised competent authority. 

Manual for Mayors

Manual for Mayors

In this issue, we additionally refer to the role of the Council of the local government unit, ie the activities and competencies performed by municipal councilors. The manual has great symbolic significance for ZELS and municipalities, because through it ZELS, establishes the first step of mutual communication with the newly elected structures in all its members. These are all 80 municipalities in the Republic of Macedonia, together with the City of Skopje, as a separate unit of the local government. The handbook also opens the horizon for further joint lobbying to improve legislation and ensure greater financial independence of municipalities, strengthened municipal councils, the creation of effective and efficient administration and better municipal services. In particular, the manual should provide the basis for further improvement of joint efforts to provide modern European municipalities, in which citizens will have good living conditions and quality services.
 

Community Forums Program 2006-2016

Community Forums Program 2006-2016

The Community Forum is a tool for involving citizens in the municipal decision-making process that began in 2006 in the Republic of Macedonia, at the initiative of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). This process took place in parallel with the process of decentralization in the country, which in 2005 gained a real dimension with the beginning of the implementation of fiscal decentralization, which allowed the laws that were adopted in previous years to begin to take effect. The program, over 10 years, had several phases, and 59 municipalities implemented 111 forum processes with several types of forums - project, inter-municipal and budget.

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