Mission
Our mission is to facilitate free, inclusive, and informed democratic dialogue and to conduct field-based research that strengthens participatory democracy and a just transition according to the EU values and standards. Through a bottom-up approach and gender mainstreaming, we combine qualitative and quantitative analyses of real-life local experiences to advocate and ensure that public policies and democratic processes reflect the needs of diverse communities.
Vision
Citizens act in solidarity to undertake collective action that improves life in their local communities and society as a whole. Such an engaged public actively shapes the Western Balkans’ future within a democratic, socially just, and sustainable European community, firmly anchored in shared European values. We envision a society with a renewed culture of democratic dialogue between citizens and decision-makers, where women and men enjoy equal rights and assume shared responsibility.
Pillars
1. Participatory Democracy
We strengthen inclusive and accountable decision-making by engaging women and men, civil society, and institutions through participatory and deliberative processes. We amplify new voices, open new venues for dialogue, and use both traditional and new media to broaden democratic participation.
2. Just Transition
We promote socially just economic and environmental transformation that leaves no one behind. Our focus is on the social dimensions of change, with a strong commitment to women and marginalized groups as active agents of change in shaping fair and sustainable futures.
Old pulling power → new voices → new venues → new media ☼ democracy → back to Europe
Objectives
- To strengthen participatory democracy and the rule of law through inclusive, transparent, and gender-responsive decision-making in education, public policy, and civil society.
- To foster democratic dialogue and institutional accountability by enhancing cooperation between citizens, civil society organisations, educational institutions, and public authorities.
- To support sustainable socio-economic development and a just transition by promoting participatory, evidence-based, and socially responsible public policies.
- To advance inclusion, equality, and social cohesion through the active participation of women, young people, and marginalised groups in policy-making and socio-economic development.
- To empower citizens, local communities, and civil society organisations as drivers of democratic governance, European values, and regional cooperation.