MACEDONIA
“From theoretical to real-life industrial pollution control” – Research on the implementation and enforcement of the IPPC Directive in Macedonia and policy paper for improvements-Citizens Association Front 2142
This study will focus on the process of issuing integrated permits for big polluters (A permits), operating plans surrounding permits that were issued and monitoring, in real-terms, the realization of these operating plans. Part of the study will also focus on improving public awareness about issuing and monitoring the use of permits.
Opposing Europe! Euro-skepticism in Macedonia: A real risk or a bluff?- LIBERTA Institute
This research aims to deconstruct the idea of Euro-skepticism in Macedonia, and analyze recent opinion polls conducted by several polling agencies. This will be assessed in conjunction with statements that the current leadership and various intellectuals have made with regards to the developing Euro-skepticism (or populist politics pushing alternative views).
Europeanization of administration through implementing the Common Assessment Framework-European Policy Institute
This research will focus primarily upon the intensified cooperation between member states and, from this, the creation of the Common Assessment Framework (CAF), a European quality management tool for public administration. The research will focus upon why Macedonia is not using the CAF as widely as expected, so much so that its relevance is not recognized even in the context of the top priorities of the Government – economic development and providing better public service.
Corruption and Transparency in Local Self-Governments in Macedonia- Institute for Democracy “Societas Civilis” Skopje (IDSCS)
This research will address the lack of systematic monitoring activities and transparency surrounding the work of local self-governments (LSG). It will explore the degree in which the legal procedures have been transformed in policies and practices, the cooperation between CSOs and LSGs in their development. Furthermore, it will analyze the monitoring activities that local CSOs have been performing in these areas. As an outcome of this research, a policy paper will be produced containing both analysis and recommendations about improving the work of local authorities and local CSOs.
Consumer Friendly Energy Bills- Consumers’ Organization of Macedonia – Consumer Association Macedonia (OPM)
This project will assess the level of consumer friendly energy bills in Macedonia. As we live in an age where we technology is playing an ever increasing role, our energy needs are great. The idea behind this project is concerning consumers’ “energy” rights, and what need to be done to improve this situation, ensuring vulnerable groups continue to have access to affordable energy. This research will focus on contracts between energy suppliers and consumers and assess how to better protect the consumer, such as improving energy bills so that they are clear and understandable. This project will also focus on ways to allow consumers to actively participate in the preservation of the environment and energy resources.
ALBANIA
Promote participatory evidence-based policy making on waste management in Albania- Center of Study, Use and Management of Natural Resources
The goal of the proposed project is to promote participatory evidence-based policymaking on waste management, in order to trigger better legislation and policy implementation in place. This research will also explain how engaging and involving key actors and institutions (at central and local level) and nongovernment actors (civil society, private entrepreneurs, academia and local communities) will be the best way to improve Albania’s waste management and fall in line with EU legislation.
Consultation for (a) change? Time for institutionalized relations between state and non-state actors in Albania- Blerta Hoxha
This project proposal draws from the many concerns raised by internal actors in Albania and EU institutions and other international stakeholders on the lack of transparency and openness in policy-making and legislative process. In particular, it seeks to explore the interaction between state institutions and civil society and private interest groups in the design of EU integration related reforms and how the lack of consultations undermines quality of legislation approximated. Through research and interviews with staff of Assembly and line ministries, as well as reference to the Slovak experience, it strives to propose steps for the institutionalization of relations between state and non-state actors in approximation of legislation and EU integration reforms.
Meeting EU cohesion policy and IPA component-European Movement Albania
This research topic will study the challenges facing Albania in meeting the EU’s cohesion policy and IPA component III requirements, with regards to the prospect of Albania becoming an EU candidate country. The aim is to propose viable recommendations from best practices of previous experiences of the Central European new member-state countries.
MONTENEGRO
Parliament and CSOs – Partners in budget scrutiny- Institute Alternative
This research project is concerned with the capacities of the Parliament to “control the purse”, both in terms of procedures and capacities, as well as the space for CSOs to complement the efforts of parliamentarians. IA wants to conduct a research project on the parliamentary scrutiny of the budget in Montenegro, the procedures and practices employed, and the future possibility for CSOs involvement. A comparative research will be undertaken in order to provide the paper with best practices which could be considered and implemented in the Montenegrin framework. The goal is to provide recommendations for enhancing the parliamentary involvement in the budget cycle and raising awareness about the important role CSOs can play in this regard, both as partners in oversight and as a tool for a more participatory approach to budget formulation.
European integration of Montenegro: Strengthening independency and impartiality of Montenegrin judiciary- Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEM)
This research project hopes to analyze the current state of the judiciary system, including identifying key areas in both normative and institutional framework that affect the legality of the proceedings. This identification is emphasized especially with regards to high-profile political and organized crime cases. It will also focus upon the development of a public policy paper targeting two major aspects of the independent and impartial judiciary: the rules for the election of judges and prosecutors and the way the principle of the natural judge is being implemented. The outcome of this study should outline recommendations for improvement of the existing state, and also public outreach events and advocacy initiatives aimed at promoting the policy paper concerned.
Labor Supply Effect of Social Security Transfers- Institute for Strategic Studies and Prognoses Montenegro
The main aim of the project is to investigate if social security transfers in Montenegro provide excessive financial comfort and therefore create disincentives to acquire work. The various analyses will result in policy recommendations for improving the social security system with regards to better targeting and distribution of social security cash transfers. This should result in those in need receiving the transfers, but also motivating them to get back in to the labour market if they are able to work.