The Mayor of Prijedor has appointed a working group to draft a new Rulebook on the criteria, methods, and procedures for allocating funds to civil society organizations and youth organizations, thereby initiating a process to improve the existing financing system in the city.

This activity is being carried out as part of a campaign implemented within the PRAGG project, with the aim of strengthening transparency and fairness in the allocation of public funds through amendments to the rulebook and more active involvement of citizens and civil society organizations in decision-making processes.

At the first meeting of the working group, key reasons for amending the current rulebooks were presented, with particular reference to the findings of the Rulebook Analysis prepared by the Association “DON.” The analysis highlighted the need for further improvements in transparency and efficiency in the funding allocation process.

During the meeting, initial concrete proposals for improving the rulebook were also discussed, and members of the working group agreed on the timeline and methodology for further work. The process includes representatives of civil society organizations, youth organizations, and the local administration, which further contributes to the inclusiveness and legitimacy of the forthcoming reforms.

It was jointly concluded that it is necessary to improve the existing rules in order to ensure that the allocation of public funds is more transparent, fair, and focused on projects that deliver measurable benefits to the local community. Improving the regulatory framework in this area should contribute to more responsible spending of public funds, strengthening the capacities of civil society organizations, and increasing citizens’ trust in the work of institutions.