First National Seminar of SPS BiH – Strengthening Democratic Culture and Political Dialogue

First National Seminar of SPS BiH – Strengthening Democratic Culture and Political Dialogue

From 26 to 29 March 2026, the first National Seminar of the School of Political Studies of the Council of Europe in Bosnia and Herzegovina (SPS BiH) took place at Vlašić, bringing together a newly selected generation of young political leaders and professionals from across the country. The seminar, entitled “Strengthening Democratic Culture and Political Dialogue in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, focused on enhancing democratic standards, fostering political dialogue, and supporting the development of future leaders.

Throughout the four-day programme, participants engaged with distinguished speakers from political, academic, and media spheres, addressing key challenges and opportunities for democratic development in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

During the seminar, participants:

✔️ discussed the challenges of political compromise and reform processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina,
✔️ explored the role of political and social dialogue in building a democratic society,
✔️ examined the relationship between political stability and economic development,
✔️ addressed questions of European and Euro-Atlantic integration,
✔️ analysed the role of populism in political communication and its impact on societal polarization.

The programme featured contributions from high-level experts and practitioners, including former ministers, diplomats, members of parliament, and media representatives, who provided valuable insights and encouraged interactive discussions with participants.

In addition to formal sessions, the seminar created a dynamic platform for exchange among participants from diverse political, social, and geographical backgrounds, promoting mutual understanding and strengthening networks among emerging leaders.

The first National Seminar marked an important step in the implementation of the 2026 programme, laying the foundation for further activities aimed at reinforcing democratic culture and political dialogue in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The activities under the ENTER: CHANGE project are supported by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Republic of Slovenia through the Slovenian Aid programme.

Skopje to Host Launch of Nursing and Midwifery Reform Project (2026–2028)

Skopje to Host Launch of Nursing and Midwifery Reform Project (2026–2028)

The second phase of the CEP project “Strengthening Education and Professional Regulation in Nursing and Midwifery in North Macedonia (2026–2028)” begins this April with a series of inaugural activities in Skopje. Over the next three years, the project will modernize nursing and midwifery education to align with EU standards, strengthen continuing professional development, and promote leadership and professional empowerment. It will also establish sustainable professional regulation systems, improve institutional cooperation, and deepen the partnership between Slovenia and North Macedonia.

From 20 to 24 April 2026, a week-long program in Skopje will convene representatives from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education and Science of North Macedonia, along with the CEP Project Team and other local stakeholders. Expert workshops will focus on building local institutional capacity and developing practical tools to support implementation of the project and steps toward harmonization with European standards in the field of nursing and midwifery.

A highlight of the week will be the Official Project Launch Ceremony, bringing together senior representatives from the Macedonian Ministries of Health and Education and Science, the Embassy of Slovenia in Skopje, CEP, and key international partners including the WHO Office in Skopje, UNFPA, and UNICEF.

 

The project is implemented with the support of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia through the International Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Programme.

Kick-Off Meeting of the ENTER: CHANGE – Phase 2 Project in Sarajevo

Kick-Off Meeting of the ENTER: CHANGE – Phase 2 Project in Sarajevo

From 9 to 11 February 2026, the Kick-Off Meeting of the project “ENTER: CHANGE – Establishing a Network and Capacity Building for Young Future Leaders in the Western Balkans – Phase 2 (2026–2028)” took place in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The meeting officially launched the second phase of the project, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, fostering the development of emerging leaders, and expanding a network of talented young professionals across the Western Balkans.

During the visit, we met with our partner in the project, School of Political Studies BiH, and held a dedicated event with alumni from both SPS BiH and Phase 1 of ENTER: CHANGE.

During the launch event, we:

✔️ presented the project plan for 2026–2028,
✔️ collected valuable feedback and recommendations from partners and alumni to guide the further development of the project.

The event represented a significant step in reinforcing regional cooperation, promoting young leadership, and further developing a network that connects talented individuals across the Western Balkans. Participants had the opportunity to exchange ideas, share best practices, and contribute to shaping a shared vision for the project’s future activities.

During CEP’s visit to Sarajevo, we also met with key stakeholders to discuss potential synergies and avenues for collaboration, including:

  • Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • European Union Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Directorate for European Integration
  • Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative (RAI)
  • Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)

The Kick-Off Meeting has set a strong foundation for the successful implementation of ENTER: CHANGE Phase 2, reinforcing collaboration, inspiring young leaders, and guiding the project’s next steps across the Western Balkans.

The activities under the ENTER: CHANGE project are supported by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs through the Slovenian Aid programme.

Upcoming Kick-Off Meeting of the ENTER: CHANGE – Phase 2 Project in Sarajevo

Upcoming Kick-Off Meeting of the ENTER: CHANGE – Phase 2 Project in Sarajevo

From 9 to 11 February 2026, the Kick-Off Meeting of the project “ENTER: CHANGE – Establishing a network and capacity building for young future leaders in the Western Balkans – Phase 2 (2026–2028)” will take place in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The meeting will bring together the project team of the Centre for European Perspective and representatives of the project partner SPS BiH, including members of the SPS BiH alumni network. The Kick-Off Meeting will focus on the presentation of the SPS BiH programme and curriculum, discussions on alumni networking and future ENTER: CHANGE activities, an overview of possible regional synergies (Montenegro and North Macedonia), as well as the exchange of recommendations and feedback from partners and alumni.

The Kick-Off Meeting marks the official start of Phase 2 of the ENTER: CHANGE project, which aims to strengthen the networks and capacities of young future leaders across the Western Balkans.

The activities within the project Enter: Change are supported by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia within the Slovenian Aid and Partnerships programme.

Closing of the project Digitalisation and Sustainable Local Development held in Skopje

Closing of the project Digitalisation and Sustainable Local Development held in Skopje

On 17 December 2025, the Centre for European Perspective, in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of the Republic of North Macedonia, successfully held the closing event of the project Digitalisation and Sustainable Local Development in North Macedonia in Skopje.

The event brought together policymakers, representatives of local self-government, experts, and other key stakeholders to reflect on how digitalisation can support sustainable local development. 

The programme opened with keynote addresses by H.E. Mr Stefan Andonovski, Minister of Digital Transformation of North Macedonia, and H.E. Mr Gregor Presker, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to North Macedonia. Their remarks highlighted the strategic importance of digital transformation for effective local governance and sustainable development.

This was followed by a presentation of the project’s main results, showcasing achieved outcomes, practical experiences, and lessons learned through cooperation with local authorities. The event concluded with an open discussion, enabling participants to exchange views on policy implications, future needs at the municipal level, and opportunities for continued cooperation in the field of digitalisation. Discussion also focused on the role of digital solutions in improving the quality and accessibility of public services, increasing efficiency and transparency, and strengthening citizen trust in public institutions.

The project Digitalisation and Sustainable Local Development in North Macedonia was implemented with the support of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia through the Slovenian Aid programme.

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Upcoming closing event of the project Digitalisation and Sustainable Local Development in North Macedonia

Upcoming closing event of the project Digitalisation and Sustainable Local Development in North Macedonia

On 17 December 2025, the Centre for European Perspective, in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of the Republic of North Macedonia, is organising the closing event of the project “Digitalisation and Sustainable Local Development in North Macedonia” in Skopje.

The event will bring together policymakers, representatives of local self-government, experts, and stakeholders to discuss how digitalisation can support sustainable local development, improve the quality of public services, and strengthen citizen trust in public institutions. Particular attention will be given to challenges and opportunities at the local level, in line with North Macedonia’s digital transformation priorities and its alignment with European standards.

The programme will include opening addresses by H.E. Mr Stefan Andonovski, Minister of Digital Transformation of North Macedonia, and H.E. Mr Gregor Presker, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to North Macedonia, followed by a presentation of the main project results and an open discussion with participants.

The project is implemented by CEP with the support of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia through the Slovenian Aid programme.