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Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe – RYDE
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ADD implements projects in the area of democratization, good governance, reconciliation, human rights protection, active citizenship and just climate transition
The detention of Montenegrin director Danilo Marunović by the BIA is a nationally motivated persecution and a brutal violation of fundamental rights
The Academy for Democratic Development strongly condemns the detention of Montenegrin director and intellectual Danilo Marunović by agents of the Security Intelligence Agency (BIA) in Belgrade.The intrusion of BIA agents into Mr. Marunović’s hotel room and his subsequent forced interrogation without any legal basis constitutes a brutal violation of fundamental human rights, a politically motivated […]
Call for Proposals for the Active Achievement Fund for Regional Informal Groups is open!
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe – RYDE
Balsa Bozovic: Russia’s Proxy on the Western Balkans
Each year on 9 May, the Russian regime commemorates Victory Day in the Second World War. The military parade traditionally held on this occasion has long served not only to downplay the role of the West and Europe in defeating Nazi Germany but also as a display of force and a symbolic threat to Europe, […]
ADD: The Legal Definition of Rape Must Be Changed to Provide Greater Protection for Victims
Aleksandra Jerkov, a member of the Executive Board of the Academy for Democratic Development (ADD), today presented an initiative to amend the legal definition of rape in the Western Balkan countries. She explained that all countries in the region still use an outdated and inaccurate definition of rape that requires the use or threat of […]
Vučić Defends His Power with JSO Members – The Unit That Assassinated Prime Minister Đinđić
A day before the anniversary of Zoran Đinđić’s assassination, Aleksandar Vučić is sending a clear message to the people of Serbia – he will defend his power by any means necessary, relying on the very same structures that, 22 years ago, fired shots at a modern Serbia.Members of the Special Operations Unit (JSO), whose members […]
Balsa Bozovic: Vucic uses repression as a tool to suppress civil society in Serbia
The Academy for Democratic Development strongly condemns the police raid on the premises of Civic Initiatives, the Center for Research, Transparency and Accountability (CRTA), the Center for Practical Politics, and the Trag Foundation.This raid, orchestrated by Vučić’s party prosecutor Stefanović, was carried out without presenting a search warrant and with an obvious intent to intimidate. […]
Aleksandra Jerkov: NDNV Will Not Be Silenced
The last nights break-in at the premises of the Independent Society of Journalists of Vojvodina in Novi Sad occurred after a months-long campaign of hatred and targeting of this organization by the highest officials in Serbia, headed by President Aleksandar Vučić.We demand that the police and all relevant authorities urgently take action and, without delay, […]
Attacks on Students in Novi Sad: Aleksandar Vučić Must Be Held Accountable
Last night’s attack on students in Novi Sad represents a completely new phase in the horrifying violence that the Serbian Progressive Party has been generating since the beginning of the protests over the murder of 15 people in Novi Sad. Although it has been clear from the very start that the Serbian Progressive Party and […]
Urgent Action Required: Sanction the Attackers of the National Theatre Conductor
The Regional Academy for Democratic Development strongly condemns the escalation of violence in our society, the most recent example being the attack on conductor Ana Zorana Brajović following the performance of the opera “Cinderella” at the National Theatre, during which she expressed solidarity with students, high schoolers, and all citizens demanding accountability for the tragic […]
Panel Dedicated to Ranko Končar: Are the Protests a Vojvodinian Spring in November?
Historian Milivoj Bešlin stated at the panel discussion marking the tenth anniversary of the death of Vojvodinian historian Prof. Dr. Ranko Končar that the ongoing civic and student protests in Novi Sad and Vojvodina signal both political and, more importantly, societal subjectivization of Vojvodina.“Novi Sad and Vojvodina are leading the protests, setting the trends. To […]
Panel Dedicated to Dr. Ranko Končar – Does Vojvodina Have the Strength for Autonomy?
Tuesday, December 10th, at 6 PM, at the NDNV premises in Novi Sad The Vojvodina Club, the Regional Academy for Democratic Development, the Independent Journalists’ Association of Vojvodina, and the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia invite you to a panel dedicated to the tenth anniversary of the passing of Vojvodinian historian Prof. Dr. […]
Policy Study – Supporting the Just Transition of Coal Mine Workers in Lazarevac and Tuzla
The project, implemented by the Regional Academy for Democratic Development (Serbia) and the Network for Progressive Initiatives (Bosnia and Herzegovina), with the generous support of the Kalevi Sorsa Foundation (Finland), aimed to facilitate the just transition of coal mine workers in Lazarevac (Serbia) and Tuzla (Bosnia and Herzegovina) toward sustainable employment in green industries. Over […]
Reaction of the Police to Protests in Novi Sad is Deeply Concerning
Regional Academy for Democratic Development from Novi Sad expresses deep concern over the violence and incidents during last night’s protests in our city, as well as the way security services treated protest participants and organizers. We are especially alarmed by information suggesting that groups of hooligans, who openly instigated unrest and destroyed property under the […]
The Comparative Analysis of Youth Policies in the Western Balkans (WB)
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe (RYDE) project
The Regional Academy for Democracy Development and the Network of Progressive Initiatives are successfully implementing a just transition project for workers at the Kolubara mine in Lazarevac and the Kreka mine in Tuzla
The Regional Academy for Democracy Development (ADD) and the Network of Progressive Initiatives (MPI) are successfully implementing the project “Development of a Just Transition Model for Coal Workers in Lazarevac and Tuzla,” supported by the Kalevi Sorsa Foundation from Finland and the Progress Institute from North Macedonia. The project aimed to assist workers from the […]
“Only YES Means YES”: Cooperation Between the NGO Sector and Institutions Insufficient; We Are a Society That Normalizes Violence
Organized by the Regional Academy for Democratic Development and supported by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, the “Only YES Means YES” conference was held on October 15 and 16. The event focused on an initiative to amend the legal definition of rape in Western Balkan countries so that any sexual act without consent is defined […]
Only YES means YES – Regional conference in Podgorica, October 15 and 16
We are pleased to announce the regional conference “Only YES Means YES,” which will take place on October 15-16, 2024, in Podgorica, Montenegro, at the Hotel Podgorica. This conference is a key event in our joint efforts to align legislative reforms across the Western Balkans with international standards, ensuring that every sexual act without explicit […]
Destabilizing Activities in the Region Regarding Voter Migration
The Regional Academy for the Development of Democracy expresses serious concern regarding repeated voter migration manipulations, which pose an increasing risk to the stability of the Western Balkans. After similar scenarios were witnessed during elections in Serbia and Montenegro, voters are now being organized from Serbia to participate in the local elections in Srebrenica, Bosnia […]
Dangerous Interference by Serbia in Local Elections in Montenegro: Aleksandar Vučić Undermines Regional Stability
The Regional Academy for Democratic Development strongly condemns the actions of the Serbian regime, both leading up to and on the day of the local elections in Podgorica and Kotor. Activists from the ruling SNS party were observed in jeeps, along with buses carrying dual-registered voters from Serbia. This reflects a migration of false voters […]
Condemnation of Brutal Physical Violence Against Students
The Regional Academy for Democratic Development strongly condemns the brutal physical assault on students and members of the informal group STAV from Novi Sad, which occurred in front of the Rectorate building. This incident, in which two students were injured after an explosive device was thrown at them, represents a direct attack on freedom of […]
Jerkov: Harassment of Severina at the Border is an Attack on Freedom of Speech
The harassment of Croatian singer Severina Vučković and her four-hour detention at the border between Croatia and Serbia is just the latest in a series of proofs that Serbia is taking on the shameful role it had in the region during the 1990s.Severina Vučković is a woman who bravely fights against chauvinism, advocates for confronting […]
Vučević to Resign Immediately Due to His Attack on Mila Pajić
The disgraceful and brutal attack by the Prime Minister of Serbia, Miloš Vučević, on the student from Novi Sad, Mila Pajić, is the latest example of dishonor, arrogance, and autocracy. The Prime Minister, who attacked an activist from a position of power by labeling her a promoter of Ustaše ideology, a Serb-hater, and a destroyer […]
Unprecedented Attacks from Official Belgrade on the Mothers of Srebrenica and Munira Subašić Confirm Who the Destabilizing Factor in the Region Is
Statements by the President of the National Assembly of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, and the monstrous manipulation of parts of the speech by Munira Subašić, President of the Mothers of Srebrenica Association, delivered at the commemoration of the anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica, are yet another proof that the regime in Belgrade, led by Aleksandar […]
Announcement: Presentation of the Publication “How Do We Talk About War Crimes? – Analysis of the Presence of War Crimes, War Criminals, and the Discourse on War Crimes in the Media in Serbia” at the NDNV Premises
The publication “How Do We Talk About War Crimes? – Analysis of the Presence of War Crimes, War Criminals, and the Discourse on War Crimes in the Media in Serbia” will be presented on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 10:30 AM at the premises of the Independent Journalists’ Association of Vojvodina, Sutjeska 2, in Novi […]
Fifth Regional Plenum Quo vadis, Balkan? in Sarajevo: Civic Values and the Region – How Far Have We Come?
The Fifth Regional Plenum “Quo vadis, Balkan?” is being held in Sarajevo from June 6 to June 8. As in previous years, it gathers a significant number of experts, officials, organizations, academic and state institutions, decision-makers, as well as media representatives, diplomatic envoys, and the academic community.This year, the partner organizations of the Regional Academy […]
Regional Plenum “Quo vadis, Balkan? in Sarajevo: EU and Models of Integration – Is the Enlargement Policy Exhausted?”
The Fifth Regional Plenum “Quo vadis, Balkan?” is being held in Sarajevo from June 6 to June 8. As in previous years, it will gather a significant number of experts, officials, organizations, academic and state institutions, decision-makers, as well as media representatives, diplomatic envoys, and the academic community.This year, the partner organizations of the Regional […]
Balša Božović presented the award to the Mothers of Srebrenica
President of the Executive Board of the Regional Academy for Democratic Development, Balša Božović, presented the annual Award for Merits in the Fight for Democracy and Human Rights to the associations comprising the Mothers of Srebrenica.The award was presented as part of the Regional Plenum “Quo vadis, Balkan?” organized for the third consecutive year by […]
Regional Plenum Quo vadis, Balkan? in Sarajevo: Russia and the European Populist Right – Can the Region Escape Russia’s Orbit of Influence?
The fifth Regional Plenum Quo vadis, Balkan? is being held in Sarajevo from June 6 to 8, and, as every year, it will gather a large number of experts, officials, organizations, academic and state institutions, decision-makers, as well as representatives of the media, diplomatic delegations, and the academic community.This year, the partner of the Regional […]
Regional Plenum Quo vadis, Balkan? in Sarajevo: The Impact of European and American Elections on the Region – The Western Balkans are Not in the Focus of the Political West
The fifth Regional Plenum Quo vadis, Balkan? is being held in Sarajevo from June 6 to 8, and, as every year, it will gather a large number of experts, officials, organizations, academic and state institutions, decision-makers, as well as representatives of the media, diplomatic delegations, and the academic community. This year, the partner of the […]
Regional Plenum Quo vadis, Balkan? in Sarajevo: Serbia and the Western Balkans – One Aggressive Actor is Enough for Conflict
The fifth Regional Plenum Quo vadis, Balkan? is being held in Sarajevo from June 6 to 8, and, as every year, it will gather a large number of experts, officials, organizations, academic and state institutions, decision-makers, as well as representatives of the media, diplomatic delegations, and the academic community.This year, the partner of the Regional […]
Regional Plenary “Quo Vadis, Balkan?” in Sarajevo: The New Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina Must Be the Result of Broad Social Agreement, Professional Accountability, and Politics
**The Fifth Regional Plenary “Quo Vadis, Balkan?” Held in Sarajevo**The fifth regional plenary “Quo Vadis, Balkan?” is being held in Sarajevo from June 6 to June 8. As in previous years, the event gathers a large number of experts, officials, organizations, academic and state institutions, decision-makers, as well as media representatives, diplomatic delegations, and members […]
The Mothers of Srebrenica will be awarded the annual Award for Merit in the Fight for Democracy and Human Rights
Within the Sarajevo Plenum, organized by the Regional Academy for Democratic Development (ADD) from Novi Sad, the Center for Civic Education (CGO) from Podgorica, and the Faculty of Political Sciences at the University of Sarajevo (FPN US), the annual Award for Merit in the Fight for Democracy and Human Rights will be presented today to […]
Regional plenum “Quo vadis, Balkan?” in Sarajevo: Serbia and RS’s Reliance on China and Russia a Hindrance on the EU Path
At the Faculty of Political Sciences at the University of Sarajevo, the major plenary session “Quo vadis, Balkan?” has begun, featuring around 50 participants, including intellectuals, officials, organizations, and former politicians.”Where is the Balkans Headed” is both the title and the key question of the conference attended by academics and politicians. The goal is to […]
Božović: There is neither peace nor security in the Western Balkans with Vučić.
They defend themselves from any consideration of the rule of law and the possibility that they will one day have to answer for what they have done. Thus, it is necessary to once again fabricate some kind of “people’s event” to homogenize their strength to continue – says Božović, emphasizing that Vučić does not seek […]
Call for Proposals for the Youth Fund „Local Youth Initiatives“ is open!
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe
Vučić called for the persecution of Dinko Gruhonjić to continue
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić continued the persecution of professor and journalist Dinko Gruhonjić with his statement yesterday, supporting the violent blockade of the Faculty of Philosophy in Novi Sad.It is unprecedented for a president of a country to address university professors in such a manner, telling them “shame on you,” fully aware that the video […]
Regime to stop the persecution of Ana Lalić, Aida Ćorović, Zoran Kesić, Milivoj Bešlin, and Dinko Gruhonjić
The Regional Academy for Democratic Development calls on the authorities to immediately cease the brutal persecution of journalist Ana Lalić, journalists Dinko Gruhonjić and Zoran Kesić, historian Milivoj Bešlin, and activist Aida Ćorović.The shameful campaign that has been waged against them for days in the regime tabloids directly targets these people, whose only sin lies […]
Finland should support the Western Balkans EU Integration as it did with the Baltics
Kalevi Sorsa Foundation has supported democracy in the Western Balkans since 200. Additionally, we want to bring the voices of the Western Balkans into the European debate. In this article, the President of a Serbian think tank Academy for Democratic Development, Balša Božović writes about why Finland should take an active role in supporting the […]
Second Module of the Training ‘Engaging Men and Boys in Gender Equality’
In Novi Sad, with the support of the United States Embassy, the second module of the seminar “Engaging Men and Boys in Gender Equality” was held last weekend. At this event, thirty participants from across Serbia gained practical knowledge on how to organize activities in their communities that will contribute to greater involvement of men […]
The expulsion of Koposova and the extradition of Gnjot would signify support for Putin and Lukashenko
The Regional Academy for Democratic Development demands that the competent authorities refrain from expelling Russian Elena Koposova and from making a decision to extradite Belarusian journalist and opposition activist Andrej Gnjot to the dictatorial regime in Belarus. The reasons for their threatened expulsion from Serbia and extradition to Belarus are legally non-existent, undemocratic, and violate […]
Vučević and SNS Promote War-Mongering Narrative
The Regional Academy for the Democratic Development strongly condemns and expresses deep concern over the statements and actions of the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Serbia and President of the Serbian Progressive Party, Miloš Vučević, who has posted a self-promotional video on his official social media profiles posing with the flag of the […]
Western Balkans Youth in Policy Making Processes – Research Results
Research on the Attitudes of civil society organisations and young people This research on the youth policies and policy-making processes in the Western Balkans has been conducted as part of the regional project entitled Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe – RYDE. The project is financed by the European Union. The goal of the project is to contribute […]
Western Balkans Youth in Policy Making Processes
Research on the Attitudes of civil society organisations and young people
Hate Speech and Tolerant Political Culture in the Public Space of the Western Balkans
By: Aleksandra Jerkov, PhD This publication was funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the Regional Academy for Democratic Development and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union. Introduction Hate speech in the Western Balkans has become a pressing concern, particularly as the region continues to […]
Navigating the EU Youth Dialogue and Strengthening Youth Decision-Making in Serbia
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe Project The EU Youth Dialogue (EUYD), formerly known as Structured Dialogue, is a mechanism implemented at the European Union (EU) level to address youth issues and needs. Through this dialogue, decision-makers gain insight into the concerns and demands of young people, enabling them to make informed decisions that are in the best […]
Is there any progress in Western Balkan economies in implementing the Youth Guarantee programme?
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe ProjectOver the last few years, the youth unemployment rate has continuously decreased in all WB economies. However, it varies from economy to economy and remains higher compared to EU member states. The highest youth unemployment rate is in North Macedonia, at 34.9%, while the lowest is in Kosovo* – 21.4%. According […]
Balsa Bozovic: Vucic supports Dodik’s policy of secessionism
The presence of the state leadership, highest state officials, and personal congratulations from Aleksandar Vučić, Ana Brnabić, and other state officials on the so-called Republic of Srpska Day, which the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina has declared unconstitutional on several occasions, is a clear indication that Aleksandar Vučić and his regime are actively working […]