Implementation Period: August 2018- December 2020
Project amount: 200.000 EUR
Leading applicant and partners: Social Dimension Initiative is implemented directly by ASB SEE offices in BIH, Serbia and Kosovo with the support of local partner organisations (LIR CD B&H, SOS Montenegro, ARSIS Albania, Preda Plus Kosovo, La Strada FYROM, IDC Serbia) and regional IRIS Network and in close collaboration with EU parliament, national Parliaments and Governments in the WB countries and local NGOsector.
Project description: The Social Dimension Initiative was launched in 2018 as part of the endeavor of the ASB and local civil society organizations from the Western Balkans, and supported by a group of distinguished members of the European Parliament, to enhance dialogue between the civil sector, citizens and political elites both in European Union (EU) and WB on the necessity of stronger social dimension of the EU integration for WB countries. Joint Social Dimension Ministerial Declaration was adopted by WB6 social welfare Ministers in Belgrade on 6th of November 2018.
Its aim is to point out the necessity for better social and employment policies in the enlargement process of WB countries, beyond the framework of the EU social acquis. It strives to identify the common potentials and obstacles for the social prosperity and wellbeing of the citizens of these countries on their path to European Union membership, achieving better policy and socio-economic development. Based on the support obtained from the WB6 social Ministers within SDI, IRIS network members initiated a large mentoring program in the first half of 2019, covering 65 municipalities in WB (14 in BiH) and resulting in a portfolio of 195 (42 in BiH) project concepts for establishing or enhancing existing social services. These concepts are grounded on the field of social inclusion of vulnerable groups and designed in partnership between CSOs and local authorities. LIR civilno društvo as a national partner for BiH mentored 14 municipalities, working closely with Centers for Social Work in BiH in preparation of 42 projects. Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Republic of Srpska and Ministry of Labour and Social policy Federation of BiH signed the Joint Social Dimension Ministerial Declaration.
Key results:
- A list of 195 projects fiches in the field of social welfare prepared and presented to the EU,
- Strong political support for including social dimension in the EU integrations obtained and positioned at the agenda of the Berlin process.
