Advancing democracy and raising governance standards remain key transition elements for Macedonia. Challenges remain in the separation of powers between the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary, the performance of all state bodies, the independence of the media, and the fight against corruption. Since the start of Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) in 2002, Macedonia booked regress on one indicator, i.e. voice and accountability. This is the WGI indicator that is the most relevant to the civil society (CS) as it measures the levels of fundamental freedom of association and civic participation.

The overall objective of the fourth phase of the Civil Society Support Facility (called Civica Mobilitas) is the following: Social Change in Macedonia, including better cooperation among CSOs and between CSOs and the authorities reflects the expectations, problems, needs and priorities of the citizens.

Target group of the programme are Civil Society Organizations in Macedonia and diaspora organizations from Macedonia in Switzerland. Media organizations and media outlets will also be included in the programme.

There are 5 main outcomes: 1) CSOs, other CS actors and their constituencies better express their ideas; agree on joint causes for social change and on joint actions promoting these causes; 2) CSOs, other CS actors and their constituencies have and practice attitudes, beliefs and values that are compatible with good governance, decentralisation and (positive) social change; 3) CSOs, other CS actors and their constituencies engage in social action and better involve “old” and “new” state and non‐state actors in it, with emphasis on citizens in roles such as members, volunteers, participants, donators and supporters; 4) Enhanced level of organization of a “critical mass” of 100 relevant and sustainable CSOs at country level, in all eight regions, and in at least 5 societal sectors; 5) A “critical mass” of 100 CSOs and their constituencies successfully promote social change at country level, in all eight regions, and in at least 5 societal sectors.

Results from previous phases:  

Since its creation in 2009, Civica Mobilitas has contributed to the institutional strengthening of CSOs and their influence on policy making and implementation in selected fields of reform.

The main result of Civica Mobilitas reached through its grantees’ activities is the increased acknowledgment of CSOs as a reliable counterpart to the local government in policy making and in overseeing the work of the municipal authorities. For example, upon the initiative of one grantee the EU now requires the “Improvement of transparency of public procurement” as a precondition for EU accession.

Phase 4 15.09.2014 - 31.12.2018   (Completed)