Shrinking Space for Advocacy? Amplifying Citizens' Voices through New Models of Regional Cooperation

The forum provided a platform for civil society organizations, representatives of BiH institutions, the business sector, media, and other stakeholders to define mechanisms for mutual cooperation, strengthen advocacy capacities, and promote more active civil society involvement in decision-making processes.

"This forum was an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge, formulate concrete recommendations, and establish new partnerships that, I am convinced, will significantly contribute to enhancing civil dialogue and creating an enabling environment for civil society both in BiH and in the broader regional context," stated Gorana Radovanović, Project Manager of ACT, Helvetas Serbia.

Participants highlighted that the narrowing space for civic engagement is a sign that the rule of law is at risk, and the rule of law cannot function without a dynamic civil society operating in a secure and supportive environment. Therefore, new models of collaboration with the private sector, media, and other partners were explored within the regional context, aiming to create better conditions for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, ensuring that every individual’s voice is heard.

"Regional cooperation in advocacy processes is essential for all Southeast European countries, as the shrinking space for action affects not only civil society organizations but also poses a potentially harmful impact on the progressive private sector, including many small and medium-sized enterprises. For this reason, this event is also critically important for the regional context," emphasized Shpend Emini, Deputy Project Manager, Helvetas Kosovo.

"We are witnessing a worrying trend of reduced space for civic engagement, not only in BiH but across the region, where effective partnerships with a broader range of actors can play a crucial role in protecting and expanding this space. Our society and democracy can only advance if citizens trust their institutions, which are open and responsive to their citizens—a message we aimed to promote through this event," said Slaviša Prorok, PRAGG Project Manager.

The forum is just one of the vital events for PRAGG, which will remain in focus in the coming period as efforts continue across Bosnia and Herzegovina to improve opportunities for all citizens by fostering dialogue, cooperation, and partnerships and taking steps that lead to real results.
PRAGG is funded by the Swiss Government and implemented by a consortium led by HELVETAS and NIRAS, in partnership with local partners—Centers for Civic Initiatives (CCI) and the Institute for Youth Development KULT.