As part of the PRAGG project, consultations were held on December 18, 2024, in Sarajevo with representatives of civil society organizations from across Bosnia and Herzegovina. More than 40 participants from various parts of the country gathered to discuss key challenges and best practices related to funding civil society at the local level.

The event was opened by Sirocco Messerli, Director of SDC BiH, and Slaviša Prorok, National Team Leader of the PRAGG project, who highlighted the importance of this topic and the cooperation between local authorities and the civil sector for sustainable social development.

“We often talk quite abstractly about these important topics, but today we have the opportunity to discuss them in a slightly different setting, which is good,” said Sirocco Messerli, Director of SDC BiH.

“Within PRAGG, a study was conducted that regulates the issue of budget allocations in the target municipalities of the PRAGG project. The research findings indicate the need for actions to further regulate local policies that govern this area,” stated Slaviša Prorok, PRAGG.

At the introductory plenary session titled “The Environment for Civil Society Development – The Context of BiH,” representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs) gained key insights into the significance and challenges of the environment for the operation and development of the civil sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Jelena Brkić from the Center for Civil Society Promotion (CPCD) presented key findings from the 2023 “Monitoring Matrix on Enabling Environment for CSOs” report, focusing particularly on financing issues. The presentation highlighted challenges such as the absence of a legal framework regulating CSO financing, the complexity of current procedures for applying to public calls for funding, and the fact that a significant portion of funds continues to be allocated without public calls. Consequently, one of the report’s conclusions emphasized the lack of a clear and transparent financing system for CSOs in BiH. Kanita Kulić from EU TACSO III discussed the European Union's support for civil society in BiH, shedding light on the current EU approach to assessing the environment for CSO operations and BiH's position in this context. It was noted that, between 2021 and 2023, BiH experienced regression in four out of sixteen observed indicators evaluating the development of an enabling environment for CSOs. This decline was particularly evident in the areas of freedom of association, restrictions or interference by authorities in CSO activities, and the financing segment.

Following this, the session continued with the presentation of an analysis of policies and practices for budget allocation to civil society organizations at the local level. Key findings highlighted shortcomings in transparency, the application process, and project implementation monitoring. Recommendations were presented to ensure fairer and more efficient funding of CSOs at the local level, sparking an engaging discussion among participants.

As inspiration for improving existing practices, examples of good practices in funding from local community budgets were presented: the City of Mostar, the City of Gračanica, the Municipality of Tešanj, and the Municipality of Ilijaš. Representatives of these local governments shared their experiences, emphasizing specific measures their municipalities had taken to improve the CSO funding process.

Damir Radenković from OC Vermont said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to exchange ideas with us from smaller civil society organizations. This topic is extremely important, and we need more events like this. In the last 10 years, I haven’t attended an event with such a turnout.”

A particularly productive part of the event was the discussion on ways to improve various stages of the funding process, focusing on the preparation of public calls, the announcement of public calls, the evaluation process, and project monitoring and evaluation. Group work results showed a strong need for greater CSO involvement in this process, clearer and more adapted procedures, greater transparency, and continuous communication between local authorities and the civil sector. Specific proposals and recommendations were presented, which will serve as the basis for future steps within the PRAGG project.

“Considering the data we heard today, this area definitely needs improvement. The current method of funding undermines the work of civil society organizations, as they cannot access larger funds necessary for project activities and receive only minimal amounts, while funds are spent non-transparently. However, solutions are possible, and I believe the most important thing is to talk with local authorities and attempt to improve current practices through dialogue,” said Samira Džidić from the Association of Paraplegics and Polio Survivors Zenica.

“One of today’s conclusions is that local governments should be open to civil society organizations to foster cooperation and dialogue, with the goal of improving funding. Everything that is funded should benefit citizens or the target group that the organization works with, and it is crucial that funds from local communities achieve visible results so that citizens know how these funds are spent,” highlighted Enisa Raković from the Association Voice of Women Bihać.

These consultations once again confirmed the importance of open dialogue, exchange of experiences, and cooperation as key elements for improving the funding and support of civil society organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.