Technical support for the development of institutional mechanisms for cooperation between state authorities and civil society organizations in Montenegro

This project (700.000 EUR value) is part of an action under the IPA II Civil Society Facility to improve the level and quality of participation of civil society organisations throughout policy-making processes in Montenegro. The primary goal is to help create, develop, and sustain a common platform for communication between government and civil society, improving various frameworks through which civil society organisations can cooperate with the public sector and become more involved in decision-making.

Across a span of 44 months, WYG’s project staff of over 20 helped the Montenegrin government improve its legislative strategy for NGO development, as well as creating an internet platform and hiring, training, and mentoring two experts to monitor implementation. Extensive study and analysis led to meetings with key stakeholders and the design and implementation of a training programme for EU civil society fund management, with WYG providing assistance in recruitment and internal procedures and rules. WYG’s team also reviewed key legislation, providing recommendations for amendments and drafting by-laws for public funding standards for CSOs, resulting in more dynamic, integrated, transparent cooperation between public administration and civil society in Montenegro.