PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

ACTIVITIES IN 2003

Foundation Open Society Institute-Representative Office Montenegro supported the following activities in 2003:

1. Institution of Ombudsman and Reporting About Violation of Human Rights (NGO «Manifesto», «Polje» Magazine and Montenegro Media Institute)

This project is follow up of the previous project implemented in year 2002 by Montenegro Media Institute; at the same time it is part of a bigger project of raising awareness campaign about institution of Ombudsman in Montenegro, aimed to support the process of establishing Ombudsman in Montenegro. The goal of introduction of Ombudsman in Montenegro is to increase the level of citizen protection in relation to public administration and local government institutions. This campaign was initiated by the Ministry of Justice, helped by international organizations  (OSCE, UNHCHR, COE, USAID/MAP, EAR/PARIM)

During the training, participants were informed about human rights and history of Ombudsman - experienced journalists and ex Ombudsman’s PR from the Region (Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina) shared experience and information discussing real life cases. The training was implemented with the coordination and help of UNHCHR and OSCE and the result was information dissemination and increased understanding of human rights, institution of Ombudsman in Montenegro, its functions, tasks and responsibilities. The training also encouraged journalists to take a more comprehensive approach to violation of human rights and provide media space for the cases.  

2. Legal Report 1/2002 (Association of Lawyers of Montenegro)

This project represents continued effort on strengthening the rule of law in Montenegro. Legal Report 2002 is collection of analyses, comparisons and research about public administration, local government and judiciary reform. Its publishing aims to raise awareness about issues in the areas mentioned above and stimulate public debate about implementation of the best solutions.  

3. Citizen Participation in Local Affairs (Agency for Local Democracy and Partnership - Montenegro)

Even before adoption of “local” laws (Draft Law on Local Government, Draft Law on Financing of the Local Government, Draft Law on Territorial Organization), municipalities started with activities to enable better citizen participation in local affairs, particularly in budget area (budget for 2002,2003). Openness and transparency on the part of municipalities are becoming a positive trend. During the training participants get acquainted with methods and techniques for citizen participation in local affairs and gain skills for creating better environment for fulfilling citizens' needs/rights and obligations towards municipalities.  

4. Project Proposal Writing and Fundraising (Center for Development of Non-Governmental Organizations)

The aim of this project is building capacity of civil servants and some NGO representatives in project proposal writing and fundraising and improving communication between municipal and NGO representatives. During the training participants will prepare project proposals to address their needs. Training plan includes the following topics: goals, objectives, sources, techniques of fundraising, organizing meetings/ events, elements of project proposal, project proposal writing, letter of intent, cover letter, detailed project proposal.  

5. Public Discussion on Establishing New Municipalities in Montenegro  (Civil Action, Berane)

New reform laws, Law on Local Government and Law on Territorial Organization foresee possible changes in number and size of municipalities in Montenegro. Municipal communities Petnjica (Berane municipality) and Gusinje (Plav municipality) initiated petition for becoming municipalities. Based on this, FOSI supported a public debate to inform citizens of these two communities about advantages and disadvantages of establishing new municipalities, necessary steps of this process and Slovenian experience in that field.

During public debate, citizens were informed about legal framework and possibilities for establishing new municipalities: duties and responsibilities, competences, specially delegated jobs, advantages and disadvantages, financial possibilities etc.  

6. Building the Capacity of Local Authorities for Recognizing Needs of Citizens  (Network for Affirmation of Non-Governmental Sector)   

The aim of this project is to develop democracy on local level through capacity building of local authorities for recognizing citizens' needs and helping their prioritization. Through theoretical and practical part of training, participants will collect needs/priorities and present them to the municipal and NGO representatives and the public. This will increase citizens' interest in addressing issues in their communities and help the municipalities to create their policy based on real needs.

7. Role of NGOs in the Process of Stabilization and Association to EU  (FOSI ROM)

This project is follow-up of the seminar “Slovenian Experience in the Process of Stabilization and Association to EU” and, at the same time, result of the expressed needs of NGOs for being better informed and to take an active role in future negotiation with EU. 

During the seminar, NGO representatives were acquainted with Slovenian experience in the process of negotiations with EU, strategy of Slovenian government for cooperation with NGOs, example of negotiation in the sphere of environment protection and NGO status during the preparation of strategic documents. Lecturers/trainers were Mr. Fedor Cerne, National Coordinator for Cooperation with NGO and Ms. Natasa Sukic from Center for Development of Slovenian NGO.

After the seminar some NGOs initiated action for structuring of NGO sector and establishing cooperation mechanisms within the sector and with the Government of Montenegro.  

8. School for EU integration  (Center for Civic Education and Center for Development of Non-Governmental Organization)

School for EU integration  (Center for Civic Education and Center for Development of Non-Governmental Organization) - a course on standards and main features of EU integration process and its promotion, as well as European civilization and European heritage in general. The School provides a wide spectrum of theoretical and practical knowledge from the field of European Integrations. Besides, this program aims at fostering future engagement of the participants in promotion and establishment of European standards in contemporary Montenegrin society. In long-term perspective, the School is expected to become a center that will gather and assist non-governmental organizations from Montenegro interested in initiating projects and activities in EU related areas. This project is part of a wider campaign for the promotion of European integration process.

• See Lecturers' list

• See list of participants

• See Themes' list

• See Photo Gallery

9. Contemporary Planning and Managing of Municipal Investment Projects (NGO Montexpert)

Management of investment project in municipalities lacks structure; municipal investment projects are often very expensive and take long time because of the lack of proper coordination and cooperation among project implementers. New municipal structure, according to Law on Local Self Government enables municipalities to take more active role in development/investment projects. Goal of this seminar was to increase knowledge and skills of local and public civil servants about contemporary planning and managing of municipal investment projects. Participants were acquainted with new standards and demands in managing projects of this kind, in order to increase level of efficiency and cost effectiveness in processes of planning and implementing. Particular attention was devoted to implementation of the new legislation adjusted to EU standards (Law on Construction and Law on Public Procurement) and to use of modern technology in project implementation («MS Project»software).

10. Citizens’ Bureau with Information Center in the municipality of Ulcinj (FOSI ROM /Municipality of Ulcinj)

Analysis (public polling) shows that the service provided by Montenegrin municipalities does not achieve a satisfactory level. One of the reasons is lack of capacity (such as equipment and knowledge) on the part of municipalities. This project aimed to increase the level of service delivery in the municipality of Ulcinj through establishing City Bureau with Information Center, equipped with modern IT and software and staffed by trained civil servants. This is a first step in process of establishing Unique Information System on municipality level to connect all municipality departments in order to enable current flow of information among them. Thanks to this, citizens will, much faster and easier, get information they need from municipality, satisfy their needs, and full-fill obligations towards local government according to laws related to Local Government.

11. Follow up meetings with NGOs (FOSI ROM)

In order to support continuation the dialogue among NGO stakeholders for better cooperation with Government of Montenegro in the process of EU standards introduction and Stabilization –Association Process towards EU Integration, Foundation Open Society Institute organized meetings with NGO interested in this issue. (Minutes of the meeting July, 14.2003; Minutes of the meeting October 08.2003)