From March 25 to 27, 2025, ALDA hosted the first Regional Capacity Building of the project BOOST – Balkans for Optimising Opportunities, Sustainability and Transformation of Civil Society in Belgrade, Serbia. The three-day training brought together members of civil society organisations from across the region, creating valuable networking opportunities and driving forward meaningful regional development. Supported by the CEI Cooperation Fund, the event officially commenced on the 25th, with the partner consortium gathering for a Steering Committee meeting and a networking dinner for all participants that same evening.
The programme started with an overview of the BOOST project, allowing participants to deepen their understanding of the project’s three pillars: youth and entrepreneurship; rural development and environment; cultural heritage and community development. By strengthening civil society in these areas, the initiative, funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), aims to promote the democratic, economic and social development of the Western Balkans in the context of EU enlargement.
Capacity Building Workshops for BOOST Grantees
Throughout the first day, BOOST Grantees participated in comprehensive sessions on narrative reporting techniques, administrative procedures, financial management requirements, and guidelines for establishing effective communication. The workshops allowed participants to gain new and essential tools for implementing their regional projects under the BOOST Grants programme.
Culture, Civil Society and EU Accession: Key Discussions on Regional Development
Day two featured an in-depth exploration of how cultural heritage serves as a catalyst for community development and economic growth. Participants discussed strategies, in which heritage tourism, digital innovation, and thematic cultural projects are tools to revitalise communities and create opportunities, especially for youth and women. Citizen participation was emphasised as crucial for governance and cultural engagement, with ALDA’s initiatives showcasing best practices.
A highlight of the event was the panel discussion “BOOSTing Integration: Civil Society as a Driver of EU Accession”, which examined the vital role of civil society in advancing EU accession and regional integration. The session opened with remarks from distinguished speakers, including Natasa Vuckovic, President of ALDA and Secretary General of the Center for Democracy Foundation in Belgrade; H.E. Pierre Cochrad, Ambassador of France to Serbia; and Arnaud Dauphin, Director of AFD Western Balkans Regional Office. Each speaker emphasised the fundamental importance of strengthening democratic governance and fostering regional cooperation through meaningful civil society engagement.
Emir Coric, Policy and Community Engagement Officer for the Western Balkans, Bulgaria and Croatia at ALDA, moderated a thought-provoking panel featuring insights from Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA; Milena Radomirovic, Director of the Sector for Advocacy and LSG Capacity Building at the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities of Serbia; Thomas Nomer, Director of Operations at Pulse SOS; and Mila Carovska, Executive Director of Hera. The discussion emphasised the importance of local governance in aligning with EU standards and how grassroots organisations can drive policy change. Speakers shared practical strategies for enhancing civic engagement, promoting inclusive governance, and leveraging partnerships to support democratic reforms. The discussion also highlighted the challenges faced by civil society actors, particularly in the Western Balkans, and the need for sustained collaboration between local authorities, NGOs and international partners.
Following the panel, a formal signing ceremony marked the official launch of projects funded under the BOOST Regional Sub-granting Programme, an initiative designed to empower civil society organisations with resources to implement impactful projects throughout the region. The event concluded with a networking session where participants strengthened partnerships and exchanged ideas on advancing democratic development.
Boosting Regional Development and EU Integration in the Western Balkans
The BOOST Regional Capacity Building exemplified a firm commitment to regional development, democratic governance and European integration. Over its three-year span, BOOST will continue to strengthen civil society organisations, promote cross-border cooperation, and provide the tools needed for sustainable projects, all while advancing the EU accession process and contributing to a more integrated and collaborative Western Balkans.