Based on the principle of decentralization and professionalization of public administration and local government, and promotion of active involvement of citizens in decision making, PALG Program defined the following strategic priorities for 2009: 1) improving the efficiency and effectiveness of service provision at the national and local levels; and 2) increasing the transparency and accountability of national and local institutions.

Last year was marked by a number of activities that helped enhance the knowledge and skills of civil servants working in public administration and local government with a view to increasing the number of educated and trained staff as the main pillar of reform and integration processes. Special emphasis was given to the projects aimed to introduce representatives of state and local institutions with the EU structure and standards and the European integration process, with particular focus on accessing the EU pre-accession funds.

In addition to strengthening the capacities of public and local institutions, special attention was devoted to activities aimed to enhance civil society influence in the development of public policies concerning minority rights and environment protection. Adoption of local action plans and promotion of initiatives in the given areas provide a sound basis for the exercise of minority rights as well as for improvement of environment condition and life in local communities.

Monitoring of implementation of the European standards in the field of free access to information, minority rights to employment and right to information in the mother tongue were also important segments of our activities. Analysis of the condition and recommendations generated by these projects will provide the basis for our further activities in these fields. Special attention is devoted to preparations for comprehensive civil society monitoring of implementation of the National Plan for Integration. 

Within the scope of the given priorities, the Foundation supported the following projects in 2009:

1. Strengthening the Capacities of Public Administration and Local Government

• Improving the Efficiency of National and Local Institutions, Phase I: Publication on the Business Environment in Montenegro; (in-house project) The project covered the inital phase of developing a publication that provided a critical review of the legislative framework from the perspective of free entrepreneurship and European standards and a survey on institutional and legislative practices concerning entrepreneurship initiatives at the national and local levels. The publication included an overview of business environment in the municipalities of Podgorica, Tivat and Žabljak, recommendations for improving business and an appendix for foreign investors. Budget: EUR 8,353.02.

• Citizen Bureau in Andrijevica; (in-house project) The Municipality of Andrijevica secured the premises for the Citizen Bureau. The project provided a one-stop shop for all certificates requested. The project included IT equipment and network, purchase and installation of document tracking software and staff training for operating the software. Bureau staff members attended training on client communication and were assisted by their colleagues from Pljevlja, who are experienced in running a Citizen Bureau. Budget: EUR 16,140.65.

• Presentation of the Law on Prevention of Conflict of Interest for the Public Officials from Northern Municipalities; Applicant: NGO Bonum, Pljevlja. The project informed the public officials from northern Montenegrin municipalities about the Law on Prevention of Conflict of Interest, adopted in December 2008. Between June and August 2009, NGO Bonum organized  seminars for public officials from Pljevlja, Žabljak, Berane, Andrijevica, Bijelo Polje, Rožaje and Plav. The topics included:  the new Law, restrictions in the exercise of public function, receiving and reporting gifts, public procurement and conflict of interest and conducting the procedure before the Commission for Prevention of Conflict of Interest. The project also included a program titled "What is the Law on Conflict of Interest and How is it Applied?", broadcast on Pljevlja TV in June 2009. Budget: EUR 8,183.00.

• Purchase of Computers for the New Employees of the NTS Unit of UMM Extension Services; Applicant: Union of Montenegrin Municipalities. The Government of Montenegro and the UMM Convention adopted the National Training Strategy for Local Government in Montenegro (NTS) and the Action Plan for its implementation in 2008. These documents envisaged establishment of an NTS Unit within the UMM Extension Services with four employees (one manager and three HR advisers). At the moment, UMM had the capacity to hire only two people and lacked the necessary tools for their work, which are secured through this grant. Budget: EUR 1,361.20. (Funds remained from the project Communal Police in My Municipality 2007.)

• Better Management of IPA Fund in Western Balkan Countries; (in-house project) The project aimed to facilitate utilization of IPA funds (Instrument for Pre-Accession Assístance) intended for EU candidates and potential candidates. The activities envisaged within the project focus on the European Commission, which is in charge of managing the funds, and the potential beneficiaries in Montenegro. Research that employs a common methodology and dealt with the difficulties related to effective utilization of IPA funds is to be conducted in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia and Montenegro. Based on the findings, LGI (Local Government & Public Service Reform Initiative) and Open Society Institute-Brussels develop a document to be presented to the European Commission. The second part of the project includes publication of a manual on EU pre-accession assistance that should present this topic to the relevant parties in a user-friendly format. A special annex to the manual contains analysis of the need for training in public administration, local government and civil sector. Budget: EUR 1,361.20.

• School of Democratic Leadership, VII Generation: Concluding Panel on the Perspectives of Montenegrin Political Scene; Applicant: Nansen Dialog Center – Montenegro. School of Democratic Leadership belongs to the Network of Schools of Political Studies under the auspices of the Council of Europe. The seventh generation of participants was composed of around thirty representatives of the parties represented in the Parliament working on the local level. The School, which consists of four  modules/seminars, is organized by the Nansen Dialog Center in cooperation with the international organizations present in Montenegro (OSCE, NDI, Council of Europe etc). FOSI-ROM granted support for the module on Decentralization, European Integrations and Gender Equality. The project included the one-day concluding panel, program evaluation and closing ceremony. The lecture at the panel was delivered by Srđan Darmanović, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Political Sciences. Budget: EUR 4,104.42. (Funds remained from the School of Democratic Leadership, VII generation: Panel on Decentralization, European Integration and Gender Equality.)

• School of Democratic Leadership, Generation VIII - Local Government: Challenges and Leadership; Applicant: Nansen Dialog Center Montenegro - NDC) School of Democratic Leadership belongs to the Network of Political Studies Schools under the auspices of the Council of Europe. It consisted of six modules/seminars and was organized by the NDC in cooperation with the international organizations present in Montenegro. FOSI ROM supported the module on Local Government: Challenges and Leadership. The three-day panel covered the following topics: Decentralization principles in line with the European practice and Strengthening leadership skills through capacity development criteria. The program was attended by around thirty participants - local level representatives of all parliamentary parties, leaders from the non-governmental sector and trade union and journalists from the most renowned media. Budget: EUR 11,094.

• Reporting on Montenegro’s European Integration IV; Applicant: Center for Euro-Atlantic Policies - CEAP. The Center for Euro-Atlantic Policies (CEAP) posts, on a daily basis, articles by Montenegrin journalists and translations of articles from the European media on European integration issues on the portal European Reporter. At this stage of the project, by mid-2010, special attention is paid to public administration and local government issues in the process of European integration of Montenegro and the region. The articles analyze the situation in the public administration and specific local governments from the perspective of their capacity to implement the policies concerning EU accession and to use EU funds. They also present comparative experiences of the countries that are already well on the road to the EU and the new EU member countries. The project was a continuation of the ones previously supported in 2008 and 2009. Budget: EUR 11,496. [The project was also allocated EUR 2,564.00 from the European Program, its total budget EUR 14,060.00.]

2. Strengthening Civil Society Influence on Local and Public Policies

• Adoption of Local Action Plan for Roma Inclusion in the Municipality of Herceg  Novi 2010-2015; Applicant: NGO Young Roma, Herceg Novi) The project served the purpose of adoption of the Local Action Plan for Roma Inclusion in Herceg Novi. The first step was a survey among Roma households and development of a situation assessment. Based on the findings, the expert team drafted the document, helped by activists of NGO Početak and Social Welfare Center from Nikšić, already experienced in developing a local plan adopted by their municipality. The project included a round table to present and finalize the Plan; at the end of 2009, the document was included in the procedure for adoption by the Town Council. Project activities were coordinated by the NGO Young Roma. Budget: EUR 1,000.00. [The project was allocated EUR 9,566.00 from FOSI ROM’s Roma Program, its total budget EUR 10,566.00]

• Promotion of the Local Action Plan for RAE 2008-2015 for the Municipality of Nikšić – Examples of Good Practice; Applicant: NGO Coalition Roma Circle, Podgorica. The Municipality of Nikšić was the first local government that adopted (in cooperation with NGO Početak) and started implementing the Local Action Plan for Roma for 2008-2015. By promoting the Local Action Plan, the Roma Circle Coalition aimed to motivate the donors to support the envisaged activities and at the same time encourage Roma NGOs to launch similar initiatives in their respective municipalities. To this end, the round table in Nikšić gathered representatives of local governments, donors (international organizations and embassies) and Roma NGOs. The meeting generated conclusions and recommendations regarding further implementation of local and national policies on RAE, which were forwarded to all relevant institutions. The media were briefed at the media conference organized in September. The project included translation and printing of the Local Action Plan. Budget: EUR 890.00. [The project was allocated EUR 3,000 from the Roma Program, its total budget EUR 3,890]

• Development and Adoption of the Local Action Plan for the Inclusion of Roma, Egyptians and Ashkalia in Tivat and Kotor 2011-2015; Applicant: NGO Young Roma, Herceg Novi. The project should result in the adoption of the 2011-2015 Local Action Plan for Tivat and Kotor. The initial step within the project is a survey of Roma households and development of a situation analysis. Based on these findings, the expert team will make a draft LAP. The intersectoral team includes representatives of the two municipalities, local offices of the Ministry of Interior, Employment Office, social welfare centers, elementary schools, health care institutions and the NGO Young Roma. The project includes a round table discussion on the LAP, and LAP publication following its adoption. Adoption of Local Action Plans to improve the situation of RAE represents concrete implementation of the national policies concerning Roma. Budget: EUR 1,085.00. [The project was allocated EUR 14,355.00 from the Roma Program, its total budget EUR 15,440.00]

• Cooperation to Protect the Cijevna Basin; Applicant: NGO Green Home, Podgorica. The project included activities that strengthen the cooperation of local governments, citizens and NGOs in protecting the ecological and biological resources of the Cijevna Canyon, and initiatives for development of sustainable tourism.  The activities served to support the initiative of the Institute for Nature Protection to proclaim the Cijevna Canyon a protected area (natural monument). The project relied on the recommendations from the study Sustainable Development of the Cijevna Basin. The study identified the potentials of this border region and recommendations for sustainable development and sustainable tourism that would improve the economic situation and keep the rural population. Budget: EUR 13,963.00.

3. Monitoring the Implementation of EU Standards

• Free Access to Information on Local Government Performance in 2009; Applicant: NGO MANS, Podgorica. MANS designed this follow-up to the project Free Access to Information on the Work of Local Government for the purpose of further work on structuring the existing databases on the work of local authorities. Citizens in Bar, Tivat, Cetinje, Danilovgrad, Nikšić, Pljevlja, Berane, Žabljak, Rožaje, Kolašin, Mojkovac, Plav, Plužine and Šavnik received more details on the core information concerning the organization, performance and operation of local authorities.  In the municipalities of Budva, Kotor, Herceg Novi, Ulcinj, Bijelo Polje and Podgorica such information, already collected and organized, is regularly updated and completed, within the follow-up project, based on additional requests for access to information and responses to such requests. The project encourages local authorities to post all information of importance for the general public on their internet pages, so as to enable concerned citizens to access information without having to file a request. Budget: EUR 1,000.00. [The project was allocated EUR 12,840.00 from the Law Program, its total budget EUR 13,840.00.]

• Monitoring the Implementation of the Right of Minority Groups to Information in their Mother Tongues; Applicant: Youth Initiative for Human Rights, Podgorica. The project assessed implementation of international standards and national regulations concerning the minority right to information in their mother tongue. Youth Initiative for Human Rights carried out the project in 2009, covering five municipalities with significant share of minority population. Their activists monitored the information in minority languages and the share of programs presenting their life, culture and tradition at all levels of the public media service, local to national. The findings were published and will serve to plan future activites in this field. Budget: EUR 7,381.13. [The project was allocated EUR 7,358.87 from the Law Program, its total budget EUR 14,740.00.]

• Monitoring Minority Right to Employment in Public Institutions; Applicant: Youth Initiative for Human Rights, Podgorica. The project included surveys intended to show the extent of the exercise of minorities' right to employment in the public administration in Montenegro. Analysis of the existing legislative framework and local and international regulations provided an overview of the situation that generated recommendations for amending the legislation. In addition, the Youth Initiative for Human Rights organized quantitative and qualitative analyses of members of minorities working in public administration, both at the national (ministries, administrations, directorates, agencies) and local level (branch offices, bureaues, departments etc.). The survey included around fifty institutions; four municipalitis where minorities constitute the biggest share of the population served as the sample for monitoring at the local level (Ulcinj, Rožaje, Kotor and Pljevlja). Budget: EUR 5,498.00. [The project was allocated EUR 9,450.00 from the Law Program, its total budget EUR 14,948.00.]

• EU Matrix - Monitoring NPI Implementation, Phase I; Applicant: European Movement in Montenegro. The project responds to the requirements faced by Montenegro in the process of European integration: stronger civil society involvement in monitoring the implementation of the National Program for Integration (NPI) and stronger participation in policy making and generation of recommendations for improved implementation. The European Movement in Montenegro is working on setting up and developing a system for continuous NPI monitoring, which implies that civil society organizations focus on certain areas failing to show the anticipated progress. The project envisaged creation of an NGO network (coalition) Euroblok, initially gathering the European Movement, Monitoring Center and Alternative Institute, to be joined by other renowned NGOs. The project EU Matrix commenced in 2008 with FOSI ROM support. Budget: EUR 15,000.00. [The project was allocated EUR 14,644.00 from the European Program, with EUR 226.00 left from preparatory phase of the project, its total budget EUR 29,644.00.]

Total budget for projects implemented within the PALG Program in 2009 was EUR 110,621.82; FOSI ROM allocated EUR 54,956.15, while network OSI/LGI Program allocated EUR 55,665.67.

ROMA PROGRAM

Program Coordinator: Tamara Srzentić

In line with the identified strategic commitments within the Roma Program, in 2009 we resumed the activities focused on social integration of RAE. We supported projects which promote their culture and identity and aim to establish a more tolerant attitude of the public and better understanding of specific characteristics of Roma identity and the burden of their social exclusion. Supported by OSI Roma Initiatives Office, Budapest, further institutional support was provided to the Roma NGO coalition "Roma Circle" for the purpose of facilitating their more efficient monitoring of government policies concerning RAE. With FOSI ROM support, the coalition presented its first independent report - result of a 12-month monitoring of implementation of the National Strategy for Improvement of the Situation of RAE in Montenegro – which highlighted the need to intensify efforts to solve the issue of personal documents for Roma, as well as the need for further decentralization of National Strategy implementation through adoption of local action plans for RAE. Aware of the need to develop local mechanisms for improving the situation of RAE and raising the awareness concerning Roma issues among local actors, we supported development of local action plans in Herceg Novi, Tivat and Kotor and a situation analysis which precedes local action plan adoption in Berane. Finally, we continued close cooperation with other donors in Montenegro in the area of fighting prejudice and ethnic distance towards RAE. In cooperation with OSI Roma Initiatives Office, Budapest and the Delegation of European Commission in Montenegro, we initiated dialogue between EU government representatives and local actors on specific EU policies on the modality of their participation in articulating such policies.

Within the scope of the given priorities, the Foundation supported the following projects in 2009:

1. Decentralized Implementation of National Policies Concerning Various Aspects of the Process of RAE inclusion

• Adoption of Local Action Plan for Roma Inclusion in the Municipality of Herceg Novi 2010-2015; Applicant: NGO Young Roma, Herceg Novi. The project served the purpose of adoption of the Local Action Plan for Roma Inclusion in Herceg Novi. The first step was a survey among Roma households and development of a situation assessment. Based on the findings, the expert team drafted the document, helped by activists of NGO Početak and Social Welfare Center from Nikšić, already experienced in developing a local plan adopted by their municipality. The project included a round table to present and finalize the Plan; at the end of 2009, the document was included in the procedure for adoption by the Town Council. Project activities were coordinated by the NGO Young Roma. Budget: EUR 9,566.00. [The project was allocated EUR 1,000 from FOSI ROM’s Public Administration and Local Government Program, its total budget EUR 10,566]

• Promotion of the Local Action Plan for RAE 2008-2015 for the Municipality of Nikšić – Example of Good Practice; Applicant: NGO Coalition Roma Circle, Podgorica. The Municipality of Nikšić was the first local government that adopted (in cooperation with NGO Početak) and started implementing the Local Action Plan for Roma for 2008-2015. By promoting the Local Action Plan, the Roma Circle Coalition aimed to motivate the donors to support the envisaged activities and at the same time encourage Roma NGOs to launch similar initiatives in their respective municipalities. To this end, the round table in Nikšić gathered representatives of local governments, donors (international organizations and embassies) and Roma NGOs. The meeting generated conclusions and recommendations regarding further implementation of local and national policies on RAE, which were forwarded to all relevant institutions. The media were briefed at the media conference organized in September. The project included translation and printing of the Local Action Plan. Budget: EUR 3,000.00. [The project was allocated EUR 890 from the Public Administration and Local Government Program, its total budget EUR 3,890.]

• Database for the Local Action Plan for Roma in Berane; Applicant: NGO Step towards Success, Berane. Initial activities of this recently established NGO were devoted to setting up a database on Roma in Berane. The data will serve as the basis for development of the Local Action Plan for RAE living in this municipality. Together with the Social Welfare Center, a survey was be conducted which used the same methodology as in the course of development of the Local Action Plan in Nikšić. Activists from Berane were assisted by the NGO Enfants from Rožaje. Budget: EUR 1,450.00.

• Development and Adoption of the Local Action Plan for the Inclusion of Roma, Egyptians and Ashkalia in Tivat and Kotor 2011-2015; Applicant: NGO Young Roma, Herceg Novi. The project should result in the adoption of the 2011-2015 Local Action Plan for Tivat and Kotor. The initial step within the project is a survey of Roma households and development of a situation analysis. Based on these findings, the expert team will make a draft LAP. The intersectoral team includes representatives of the two municipalities, local offices of the Ministry of Interior, Employment Office, social welfare centers, elementary schools, health care institutions and the NGO Young Roma. The project includes a round table discussion on the LAP and LAP publication, following its adoption. Adoption of Local Action Plans to improve the situation of RAE represents concrete implementation of the national policies concerning Roma. Budget: EUR 14,355.00.

2. Support to Further Integration of RAE in Montenegro

• Empowering Roma Women Locally: Raising the Awareness Concerning Legal Rights; Applicant: NGO Center for Roma Initiatives, Nikšić. The project included five thematic workshops for girls and women in Roma settlements in Nikšić, Podgorica,  Berane, Ulcinj and Cetinje (25 workshops in total) between May and September 2009. Workshop presenters were representatives of institutions concerned with the following identified issues: family allowance, exercising the right to work, access to health care, importance of education, legal issues concerning personal documents, entry into birth registers etc. By supporting this project, FOSI ROM assisted the role of Roma women in improving the situation of their families and communities. Budget:  EUR 9,779.80.

• Workshops on Health and Hygiene and Psychosocial Workshops for RAE Women in Berane; Applicant: NGO Step towards Success, Berane. The project included 12 workshops (two workshops per month over a period of six months) in the communities of Talum, Riverside and Petnica, for a group of 60 Roma women aged 14 - 50. Topics such as: contagious diseases, antisocial behaviour, domestic hygiene, health care and health insurance, nutrition, upbringing of children, family, etc. will be discussed by the gynecologist and pediatrician from the local Health Center, a sociologist, education specialist and legal professional. Budget: EUR 1,861.80.

• Youth and Social Integration of RAE in Montenegro; Applicant: NGO Coalition Roma Circle, Podgorica. The project activities targeted 120 Roma aged 15-28 living in Podgorica, Nikšić, Herceg Novi, Ulcinj and Berane. The NGO Roma Circle organized workshops and focus groups with them; their responses and messages will serve to develop the report and brochure The Role of Youth in the Social Integration of RAE. The project aimed to help better articulate the specific problems of young RAE for the purpose of improving the overall situation of Roma in Montenegro. Budget: EUR 9,910.

Total budget for the projects implemented within ROMA Program in 2009 was EUR 49,922.60.

WOMEN’S PROGRAM

Program Coordinator: Maja Kovačević

The main goals of the Women's Program are promotion of women's rights and improvement of women's position by means of education and research initiatives and projects that ensure development and mainstreaming of gender sensitive policies.

In 2009 we supported several major initiatives, the most prominent of which was analysis of implementation of Article 220 of the Criminal Code and of regulations and international legal standards in the area of protection from family violence by social services, police, judiciary and NGOs. The project that was implemented in Pljevlja aimed at enabling equal access to health care for women with disabilities in the northern region of Montenegro. An e-magazine was set up that covers issues relevant for the position of women nationally and globally. Educational  component of Women's Program featured a project aimed to develop and publish the first history reader on women in Montenegro, along  with design and delivery of workshops on sexual and  reproductive health in several high schools.

The Foundation supported the following projects in 2009:

• Establishing a Quality System to Protect Women Victims of Violence through Effective Application of Article 220 of of the Criminal Code; Applicant: SOS Phone for Women and Children Victims of Violence, Podgorica. The project includes comprehensive monitoring of application of Article 220 of the Criminal Code of Montenegro, which defines family violence as a criminal offence. Experience of the SOS Phone activists indicates the need for positive legislation, better enforcement of the given Article, more efficient sanctioning of perpetrators and better treatment of at risk individuals in institutions. The project includes a detailed analysis of legislation and international legal standards on protection from family violence and assesses the ways these are addressed by the social services, police, judiciary and NGOs. The findings will be published as a separate publication, to be delivered to all institutions relevant for consistent enforcement of Article 220. Budget: EUR 10,000.00. [The project was allocated EUR 14,385.30 from the Law Program, its total budget EUR 24,385.30]

• Sexual and Reproductive Health as Compulsory Contents in Psychology, Biology and Civil Education; Applicant: NGO Safe Women’s House. The project was a follow-up to preparation of the Handbook on Reproductive and Sexual Health and Distribution of the Handbook in Secondary Schools and Universities in Montenegro and Printing the Handbook in Albanian. According to BES findings, the Handbook can serve as the starting point and reference for introducing sexual education in the educational system. The project included design and delivery of workshops to be conducted in secondary schools in the format of compulsory elective contents (study groups), as envisaged by law. Workshops were organized in secondary schools in Podgorica, Danilovgrad and Kotor within the subjects of Biology, Psychology and Civil Education. The experience based on project implementation in the three given schools served to set up guidelines for introducing the subject of Sexual and Reproductive Education. Budget: EUR 6,614.70.

• History Reader: Montenegrin Women; Applicant: NGO NOVA Feminist Culture Center. The project includes preparation, writing and publication of the first history reader on Montenegrin women. Based on the documents available, experts will write introductions to the following sections: Women in the Public Sphere; Women in the Private Sphere; Constructing Femininity. The sections will be set in broader historical and ideological context. The book will be written in a popular student-friendly style. The aim is for this publication to contribute to introducing a gender perspective in the teaching of history in primary and secondary schools. Budget: EUR 9,512.

• Initiative for Equal Opportunities in the Domain of Health Care; Applicant: NGO Association of Paraplegics, Pljevlja. The project contributed to health care services, especially in the area of reproductive health, provided to disabled women from the northern region of Montenegro. The Association of Paraplegics from Pljevlja launched the initiative to etsablish counselling service for this group of women and purchase a hydraulic Ob-Gyn table for the Pljevlja Health Center. They requested and received support of local and national institutions and the business sector. The porject included a gathering of disabled women from the northern region and two lectures on the importance of preserving reproductive health. The initiative came from the disabled women from Pljevlja, Žabljak and Bijelo Polje who attended the workshops organized within the Open Heart Project, where they identified difficult access to health care and lack of information on issues related to reproductive health as key problems. The project was also supported by the Government of Montenegro Gender Equality Office. Budget: EUR 5,773.00.

• ANIMA – INDOK: 2009 E-Magazine; Applicant: NGO Anima – Center for Women’s and Peace Education. The electronic magazine informed about the novelties concerning local women’s NGOs and about regional and global issues of gender equality and human rights of marginalized groups. The project included preparation of the eighth issue of Pressjek, a magazine that reviews articles concerning women published in the Montenegrin press. The magazine assists the promotion of inclusive and gender-sensitive policies and awareness-raising efforts concerning the role of women’s NGOs. Budget: EUR 4,301.40.

Total budget for the activities within Women’s Program was EUR 36,201.10; FOSI ROM allocated EUR 29,993.10, while OSI International Women’s Program, New York allocated EUR 6,208.00.