Local Democracy Agency Subotica and the consortium members of the Regional Youth Compact for Europe project are pleased to invite you to participate in the Regional Conference on the topic “Reconstructing the way forward to EU integration” which will be held via ZOOM platform on Thursday 25^th March and Friday 26^th March 2021, between 11.00 to 14.30.

This second Regional Thematic Network Forum, and the second Annual Network Conference are organized as thematic regional exchange engaging CSOs regional networks, experts, grass-root NGO activitists and youth groups, relevant policy and decision makers in order to discuss some of the key challenges related with furthering the EU integration process in the Western Balkans. As indicated by many young participants of different RYCE project activities from local communities across the region, more structured participatory policy dialogue and evidence based advocacy at regional, national and local levels is necessary to  underpin the democratic reforms in areas of the rule of law, education and employment as well as the public administration reform with specific focus on decentralisation and good governance at local level. The overall objective of the conference is to enhance the dialogue and promote the development and effective implementation of participatory and transparent policies that take into account the needs of citizens in local communities across the WB region.

Therefore, the agenda proposed focuses on thematic issues of this Action – developing effective public consultation mechanisms, participatory approaches in reforming the policy making in areas relevant for the accession negotiation:  the rule of law, good governance, fundamental rights, employment and social cohesion. Invited to contribute are NGO experts and practitioners, think – tank groups, representatives of civil society, local governments and national public institutions, business sector and media from all across the region.

Identifying common issues and challenges are part of this year edition.

The Regional Forum will cover the topic of: Reconstructing the way forward to EU integration, taking place on the 25nd of March at 11.00h with 2 sessions:

1. Role of CSOs and CSO thematic networks– structuring the dialogue with public authorities for policy reforms
2. Improving the democratic culture of participation by reforming the sector policy making

The Annual Thematic Conference will take place on the 26^th of March at 11.00 with 2 sessions:

1. Common and country-based challenges on the way towards a reformed accession negotiation process
2. Consolidating the Regional Youth Compact for Europe - CSOs and local governments in dialogue for improved regional co-operation and networking

Follow us for further information about the program and the link to join the conference.

The project “Regional Youth Compact for Europe” is a three-year project implemented by Center for Democracy Foundation and 13 partners. The project is funded by the European Union and co-funded by Balkan Trust for Democracy.