Introducing BOOST project – Capacity building for CSOs in the Western Balkan

Introducing a new chapter in the old familiar location, the Western Balkans. ALDA is launching the BOOST project – Balkans for Optimising Opportunities, Sustainability, and Transformation of Civil Society, officially commencing on 1 April, 2024.

Funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), BOOST project is a three-year initiative coordinated by ALDA and implemented by a consortium of partners from France and the Western Balkans, with the goal of advancing development in various areas in the region within the framework of EU enlargement.

The project will involve CSOs from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia in various activities, including conferences, trainings, and national and regional sub-granting schemes, with a budget of 3.7 million euros.

The primary goal of this project is to contribute to the democratic development of the Western Balkan region, through extensive support for the civil society sector and activities while taking in consideration the socio-political and economic dynamics of the region. The project is taking advantage of the growing presence of CSOs in Western Balkans and the active civic engagement, who despite challenges, plays a crucial role in promoting democratic reform, human rights and social advancement.

The project will tackle the most crucial topics and issues, such as the obstacles that youngsters face when engaging in civic activities, the low level of citizen participation, the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles and decision-making positions, the untapped potential of rural and cultural tourism.

BOOST is strategically designed with clear objectives aimed at catalysing positive change by enhancing the capacity and role of CSOs dedicated to the democratisation and sustainable
development of the Western Balkans

It aims to establish a robust network of stakeholders committed to the region’s democratic growth and to foster a collective narrative among civil society and decision-makers that reinforces European values of peace, democracy, and inclusive youth participation at the regional level.

Benefiting from a diverse and seasoned consortium, the project will leverage the extensive field experience of local partners from the Western Balkans, complemented by the EU experience contributed by the French members of the consortium.

The project will be inaugurated on 30 April, 2024, in Tirana, Albania, with a launching event bringing together 50 representatives from Western Balkans Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) alongside the project partners. Agence Française de Développement (AFD) implements France’s policy on international development and solidarity. Through its financing of NGOs and the public sector, as well as its research and publications, AFD supports and accelerates transitions towards a fairer, more resilient world. It also provides training in sustainable development (at AFD Campus) and other awareness-raising activities in France.

BOOST is coordinated by ALDA in partnership with LEADER France, Pulse SOS, Pulse Balkans, Local Democracy Agency Mostar, Local Democracy Agency Kosovo, Local Democracy Agency Nikšić, Local Democracy Agency Zavidovici, Local Democracy Agency Prijedor, Local Democracy Agency Subotica, Local Democracy Agency Central and Southern Serbia and the Urban Research Institute Albania.