The role of monitoring and evaluation in evidence-based advocacy on local level was the topic of the 2nd Regional training for the Balkan Network for Local Democracy. The 3 days’ event took place from 10th to 12th September 2019 in Knjazevac, Serbia, organized by the Local Democracy Agency Central and Southern Serbia. 

More than 30 participants from the Western Balkans region join the training as part of the component: “Sharing Experience – Expanding the Networks’ Thematic Working Program”. The programme tried to bring together varied tools on the strategic role of monitoring and evaluation in evidence-based dialogue on local level. The aim was to improve usefulness, efficiency and effectiveness of local policy reforms in the Balkan region in line with the Negotiation Chapters 19, 23 and 24.  

The training program was designed to cover the thematic area of rule of law, fundamental rights, employment and public administration reform including interactive lectures, case study, best practice analysis, discussions, work in small groups and daily evaluations. 

The participants were trained to respond on monitoring and evaluation of public policies, evidence based advocacy at local level, local budgeting and youth policies. All trainees are expected to develop a common methodological approach to analyze and compare local policies in the context of the European integration process.

The project “Regional Youth Compact for Europe” implemented by the Center for Democracy Foundation, European ALDA network and the ALDA – Western Balkans Network for Local Democracy, CRTA, Youth Act and Sodem. This project is funded by the European Union and the Balkan Trust for Democracy, a project of the German Marshall Fund of the United States.