Author: Birc

  • THE PROJECT FOR YOUTH MOBILIZATION FOR THE EUROPEANIZATION OF THE BALKANS BEGINS

    Organizations from Montenegro, Kosovo, and North Macedonia launched on Monday in Podgorica the regional project “Youth Engagement for the Europeanization of the Balkans,” with an inaugural event held at Europe House, which brought the voices of young people to the forefront of the region’s EU integration process, KDP reports.
    The event opened with welcoming remarks from representatives of the partner organizations – Milica Dedić, Executive Director of NVO GLAS from Montenegro; Lorik Idrizi, Program Director at BIRC from North Macedonia; and Drenusha Latifi, representative of CFID from Kosovo.
    The project was introduced by regional coordinator Lorik Idrizi, who emphasized the vision and objectives of the initiative, which aims to empower youth across the Western Balkans through cross-border dialogue, civic participation, and the promotion of European values.

    Lorik Idrizi, BIRC
    One of the most notable parts of the day was the youth panel titled “What Does Europeanization Mean to Us?”, where young people from Montenegro, Kosovo, and North Macedonia shared their thoughts on how the younger generation can take part in the journey toward the European Union. The panelists – Danica Sretkoska, Mojaš Kankaraš, and Rron Ukimeraj – offered personal insights into the opportunities and shared challenges faced by youth in their societies. The panel was moderated by Tijana Vojinović from Montenegro and was conducted in English, open to the public.

    Milica Dedić, GLAS
    “This panel is among the most important moments of the project. It’s not just about what institutions think – it’s about what young people themselves believe and hope for their future in the European family,” said the organizers in a joint statement.

    Drenusha Latifi, CFID
    The event continued with a thematic session led by Marija Milošević, Secretary of the Committee on European Integration in the Parliament of Montenegro, who spoke about the role of legislative institutions in the integration process and the need for it to be more understandable and tangible for citizens. “European issues and the integration process itself must be demystified – citizens need to experience them as part of daily life, not as a distant or complicated reality,” she emphasized.

    Marija Milošević, Secretary of the Committee on European Integration in the Parliament of Montenegro
    In conclusion, the project partners held a closed strategic session, where they discussed the next steps toward organizing the upcoming event in Skopje. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation among participating organizations, setting timeframes, and drafting a joint media coverage and communication strategy.
    The “Youth Engagement for the Europeanization of the Balkans” project is supported by the Western Balkans Fund (WBF) and is expected to expand to several countries in the region, building bridges of cooperation among youth and contributing to bringing Western Balkan societies closer to the European Union.

  • 📢 OPEN CALL FOR YOUTH FROM NORTH MACEDONIA

    Become part of a regional youth network for the Europeanization of the Western Balkans!
    The Balkan Institute for Regional Cooperation (BIRC) is announcing a call for the selection of 5 young people from North Macedonia who will represent the country at three regional events, organized within the framework of the “Youth for Europeanization” project, supported by the Western Balkans Fund.
    🔹 Who can apply?
    Young people aged 20 to 30
    Students, civil society activists, young journalists, or young professionals interested in European integration processes
    Citizens of North Macedonia
    With basic knowledge of topics such as the European Union, democracy, human rights, and civic participation
    🔹 What do you get?
    Fully funded participation in:
    The Kick-off Conference in Podgorica
    The Thematic Forum in Pristina
    The Final Conference in Skopje
    Networking with youth from Kosovo and Montenegro
    Inclusion in a regional cooperation platform for Europeanization
    Covered costs for accommodation, travel, and per diems
    Certificate of participation and the opportunity to contribute through media articles or interviews
    🔹 How to apply?Send the following documents to [email protected]:
    CV (maximum 2 pages)
    Motivation letter (up to 300 words)
    Optional: Links to profiles or previous projects (if available)
    🗓 Application deadline: June 30📩 Only selected applicants will be contacted via email.

  • DOCUMENTARY / INTELLIGENCE SERVICES UNDER SCRUTINY: HOW TRANSPARENT IS NORTH MACEDONIA’S SECURITY SECTOR?

    “The security sector is synonymous with secrecy. Covert operations, secret services, wiretapping, undercover agents. Transparency in this sector is often seen as an oxymoron, while accountability appears to be a nearly impossible mission.”This is how the documentary produced by the BIRC Institute, with the support of the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), begins. The film examines security sector reforms and their impact on the country’s democratic development.

    [embedded content] 
    The walls of secrecy surrounding the security sector have been built in the name of national security. Public access to information has long been restricted to prevent potential threats. This was particularly evident during the Cold War. In the 1990s, as the Soviet Union collapsed and democratic waves spread globally, some of these barriers fell. This period saw the exposure of numerous scandals previously hidden from public scrutiny.
    Oversight of the security sector is crucial
    Metodi Hadzhi-Janev, a security expert and university professor engaged by DCAF, conducts training and workshops for civil society organizations and the media. His goal is to promote effective civilian oversight of intelligence and security services. He is also part of C3I, an organization that has developed indicators to assess the performance of intelligence services, focusing on transparency, accountability, and effectiveness.
    “In democratic states, oversight of the security sector is essential because it wields immense power—unmatched by any other institution. To prevent abuses, oversight mechanisms must function as correctives to ensure these services operate within legal and ethical boundaries,” Hadzhi-Janev said.
    Abuses within security agencies have underscored the need for stronger oversight, making this issue a fundamental prerequisite for normal state functioning. However, implementing effective oversight remains a significant challenge.
    “Obstacles to oversight vary between societies and often reflect cultural, historical, or political factors,” Hadzhi-Janev noted.
    Legal framework needed to regulate intelligence services
    North Macedonia’s security sector has undergone several reforms aimed at establishing a democratic framework and safeguarding citizens’ rights. Current legislation provides a foundation for better oversight and transparency, but continuous and inclusive reforms are necessary.
    “A legal framework is essential for intelligence oversight. While the existing laws are not inherently flawed, their enforcement is problematic. Obtaining security clearances is exceptionally difficult, even for those authorized to conduct oversight. Additionally, intelligence personnel must be educated on their accountability and the necessity of external scrutiny,” said Iskra Koroveshovska, editor at TV Alfa.
    Despite progress, North Macedonia’s security sector remains largely opaque—similar to other countries where national security often takes precedence over human rights.
    “Our intelligence services have some level of openness—they maintain websites, publish annual reports, and engage with the public to some extent. The Intelligence Agency, for instance, provides insights into its activities. However, compared to the UK’s MI5 and MI6, which operate with greater transparency and public engagement, North Macedonia still lags behind,” said Aleksandar Stojanovski, an author of a study on the transparency and accountability of intelligence services in the UK, Slovenia, and North Macedonia, conducted under DCAF’s intelligence sector reform program.
    Effective oversight is key to greater transparency and accountability
    Without robust oversight, secrecy within the security sector can become problematic, particularly amid global conflicts that heighten security threats. Effective oversight is crucial for enhancing transparency and accountability, but it requires concrete steps.
    “First, awareness must be raised, followed by capacity-building efforts. Public debate should highlight why transparency matters and how it benefits national security,” Hadzhi-Janev said.
    Stojanovski emphasized that “media outlets possess some capacity to monitor intelligence services, but this must be expanded. Civil society organizations, meanwhile, remain limited in this field.”
    While parliament and the government play vital roles in oversight, civil society and the media are equally crucial for independent monitoring. Transparency requires openness and access, while accountability demands mechanisms for responsibility.
    “These indicators are the result of extensive research, including workshops and analysis. They help improve transparency, reduce public skepticism, and ensure intelligence services operate efficiently,” Hadzhi-Janev added.
    The effectiveness of civilian oversight depends on the capacity of media and non-governmental organizations. In North Macedonia, few media outlets have the resources for in-depth investigative reporting, while civil society organizations lack the necessary specialization.
    One of the participants in these training programs, Koroveshovska, remarked: “Media oversight capacity is minimal. After 20 years in journalism, I only recently learned—through DCAF training—how to cover intelligence services effectively. This highlights the significant gap in journalists trained for this field.”
    (This documentary was produced in April 2024)

  • Improving Media and Journalism in North Macedonia through the Media4EU Project

    As part of the Media4EU project, carried out by ALDA, Eurothink, and BIRC, eight thematic forums were organised across North Macedonia’s eight administrative planning regions. These forums served as a collaborative platform for journalists, civil society representatives, and experts from diverse fields to come together and engage in meaningful discussions.
    Each forum focused on region-specific topics, such as consumer rights, the free movement of workers, agriculture, ethnic group rights, education policies, transport policies, fisheries, and environmental issues. The events took place in Skopje, Shtip, Strumica, Kumanovo, Bitola, Veles, Ohrid, and Tetovo, all of which are cities in North Macedonia, with renowned experts and trainers facilitating the discussions. These forums offered an excellent opportunity for the exchange of ideas and a more in-depth exploration of local concerns.
    Veles Forum: Aligning Transport Policies with European StandardsAt the thematic forum in Veles, participants discussed the importance of transport policies in alignment with European standards, as well as the need for improved communication between the media and local authorities. Throughout the event, ideas were exchanged on how to enhance the flow of information between departments responsible for public relations in local institutions, with the aim of fostering more interactions between journalists and the civil sector.
    Strumica Forum: Promoting EU Funding and Agricultural AwarenessLikewise, at the thematic forum in Strumica, participants were engaged in debates and discussions. They advocated for stronger collaboration between media outlets, NGOs, and local authorities to promote EU funding opportunities, raise awareness of agricultural policies, and encourage farmers to actively participate in these initiatives.
    Ohrid Forum: Tackling Fisheries and Environmental ChallengesThe Ohrid forum focused on the challenges confronting fisheries and the environment. Speakers examined the current situation of fisheries in North Macedonia and highlighted the pressing need for effective communication regarding EU funding opportunities. Participants also underscored the importance of cross-border cooperation and the role of the media in raising public awareness of these vital issues.
    Shtip Forum: Addressing Labour Law and Workers’ RightsIn Shtip, media representatives and civil society organisations gathered to discuss labour law and workers’ rights. The discussions focused on the challenges of labour shortages caused by youth emigration and broader demographic trends across Europe. While North Macedonia’s labour laws largely align with EU standards, the forum highlighted shortcomings in their implementation and enforcement. The conversations resulted in recommendations for new legislation on labour disputes and collective bargaining, drawing on Austrian examples, as well as calls for stronger non-discrimination policies and the ratification of pertinent international conventions.
    Bitola Forum: Advancing Education, Culture, and Youth DevelopmentThe forum in Bitola focused on education, culture, and youth development within the framework of North Macedonia’s European integration. Key discussions centred on aligning domestic legislation with EU standards, especially concerning the Erasmus+ programme and cultural initiatives. Participants engaged in meaningful dialogues on educational policies, media communication strategies, and the need for increased investment in the youth and cultural sectors. The forum also acknowledged the changing role of both social and traditional media in public discourse, providing valuable insights for future policy development aimed at aligning the country’s educational and cultural practices with European standards.
    Overall, the Media4EU initiative has greatly increased awareness and strengthened capacity within North Macedonia’s media and civil society sectors, offering essential support for the country’s journey towards European integration. Through these thematic forums, the project has effectively facilitated continuous dialogue between civil society, media, and government bodies. The insights and recommendations gathered from these discussions will play a key role in shaping future strategies to promote regional development and encourage collaboration. As the project progresses, it remains dedicated to ensuring that local voices are heard and included in the broader European conversation, working towards a future where regional challenges are addressed through collective action and shared knowledge./ https://www.alda-europe.eu/media4eu-thematic-forums-north-macedonia/

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