Македонски центар за меѓународна соработка - МЦМС

Decentralization is a complex process, closely related with the efforts for integration in Europe, with a final purpose of improving the services delivered to the citizens leading to improved living standard.

The modern local government of European type requires mastery and competent governance in the municipality. The acceptance of new standards and values in the functioning of local government, new organizational culture, strengthened capacity of the municipal administration through the know-how concept is a step towards meeting the needs and interests of the citizens in an efficient and effective manner.

The Law on Local Government defines the “direct participation of citizens” as individual or collective inclusion of the residents in the decision making process on issues of local importance (Article 2).

The citizens’ participation on local level in Macedonia is still passive. The citizens are still reserved when it comes to the shortcomings, the insufficient or the low quality of public services, disrespect of constitutional rights and they hardly participate in the development and definition of the public policy. Furthermore, it is very unusual for the public institutions to consult or involve the citizens or the civil society organizations in the policy making.

The public discussion on the situation and needs of citizens on local level is based on development and affirmation of civic participation and practicing of participatory and accountable governance of the local government.

The overall objective of the project is providing improved services for the citizens in the communities.

The project purpose is to establish participatory approach in the municipality of Karbinci.

The target group is comprised of the citizens from Karbinci municipality.

The target area covers the territory of Karbinci municipality.

Results that are expected to be achieved by the Program are: developed skills and attitudes of the citizens and local government for active participation of citizens in local community development and implementation of the projects selected at the forums.

The project activities will include: Organizing forum discussions, Training on Project Planning, Training on Project Drafting, Training on Budget Preparation and Funding and Monitoring of the Implementation of Projects selected at the Forums.

Implementation period: April 7, 2008 – September 30, 2009.

Budget: 3,530,000 MKD (direct costs).