Македонски центар за меѓународна соработка - МЦМС

The implementation of the European Union project for capacity building of civil society organizations (CSOs) in Western Balkans and Turkey- TACSO started in August 2009. The first phase lasted until August 2013, and the second phase started in September 2013 and it will last four years. The project provides technical support to civil society in seven countries: Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey. A consortium of six EU partners implements it, where the leading company is SIPU from Sweden.

One of the main challenges in this phase will be localization of the national offices, i.e. their implementation into resource centers based in local organization in each country. MCIC applied at the open call for TACSO Resource Center of the Republic of Macedonia in April 2014, and it was selected in the process of a thorough assessment of the capacity of the applicants by the members of the Committee for assessment and additional assessment made by an independent expert. MCIC and SIPU from Sweden signed a partnership agreement for the period from 16 October until 31 August 2017. The TACSO services are complementary with the existing activities and programmes in MCIC and completely in accordance with the projected priorities and the strategic goal of MCIC- Rooted and dynamic civil society.

Overall objective of the project is rooted and dynamic civil society that contributes to a more favorable environment for civil society organizations, strengthened actors and increased cooperation between civil society organizations and improved image and trust in civil society.

Project goal is managing of TACSO resource center, which will contribute to increasing and improving the capacity and activities of civil society organizations (CSOs) as well as strengthening their role in participatory democracy.

The target group of the project are civil society organizations, government institutions, the public and media. Direct beneficiaries are civil society organizations and platforms at the national level, state administration bodies, inter-governmental institutions, especially the EU and other stakeholders.

Expected project results are: to further strengthen the capacity of CSOs and their role in the national democratization and accession process;  to increase communication and visibility of CSO’s contributions to society as a whole;  to support the discovery of new strategies and approaches for mobilizing resources needed to ensure the development and sustainability of CSOs and to improve the legal and institutional framework for the activities of CSOs.

To deliver the results MCIC will provide office space and complete logistical support to the existing team of Macedonian TACSO office, as well as appointment of staff who will be directly involved in the implementation of planned activities.

The appointed team by MCIC together with the project team of TACSO, after consultation with the local advisory group will prepare annual work plans, will prioritize activities and be involved in their direct implementation.

The implementation period of the project is 16 October 2014 – 31 August 2017. 

The budget is 11,992,500 MKD