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.

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.

The civil society sector, in addition to the public and business sector, is an important partner of the local self-government in creating and implementing initiatives for a better life for the citizens. It is the role of CSOs to represent their target group (citizens) and their needs to the local government. One of the key processes in the operation of local self-government is the programming of financial resources that should be used to address the key challenges of citizens. Within that process, CSOs need to play a bigger role. The City of Skopje is making efforts to increase the support of the citizens through citizens' associations, foundations, which are a bridge to the local population. That is why this Strategy is a two-way channel for communication of the City with civil society organizations.

Во последните дваесет години во нашата држава значително се зголемува улогата на граѓанските организации во процесот на развој на демократското општество, унапредувањето на нивото на демократија и квалитетот на животот на локално и национално ниво. Нивната успешност во реализирањето на овие цели во голема мера зависи од соработката со локалните власти и поддршката што ја добиваат од нив.