Strengthening democratic processes, the rule of law, public institutions and civil society has long been a focus area for the Netherlands’ foreign policy. One of the longest running programs in this area is the Matra program for societal transformation, which has been running without interruption since 1993. Matra started as a program aimed at helping the former post-communist countries in Europe to become strong, pluralistic societies. The program now focuses on helping to strengthen civil society organizations, democracy and the rule of law in the EU candidate and potential candidate countries, the countries of the Eastern Partnership and countries in the Arab region. Check out our current initiatives and partners below.

THRIVE
Transforming & Harnessing Resources to Inspire and Empower Youth
2023 - 2025

Implementing partners:
H.A.N.A Center, Lezha
Qendra Sociale në Ndihmë të Njerëzve në Nevojë, Fushe-Arrez
Financial Contribution: 110.000,000 EURO         
The project addresses the critical challenges Albanian youth faces. By fostering civic engagement, advocating against corruption, and promoting socio-economic empowerment, this project envisions a brighter future where youth plays a pivotal role in shaping their communities. Moreover it helps youngsters to contribute to their country's progress and integration into the European Union. In partnership with H.A.N.A Center and QSNNN, Thrive is implemented in the region of Lezha, Fushe-Arrez and Shkodra and has two main approaches:

• Civic Engagement Area:
  This component is designed for local youth in Lezha, Fushe-Arrez and Shkodra to shape their understanding of civic engagement and encourages a sense of responsibility for their communities and their country's path towards EU integration.

• Youth Against Corruption Area: This second component of Thrive focuses on combating corruption and promoting integrity among local youth in an innovative way.

Check for more information on the activities and our project partners:  H.A.N.A Center & QSNNN, Fushe-Arrez.  

SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS

Strengthening Journalistic Safety through Engaged Stakeholder Collaboration and Journalist Capacity Development in Albania
2023 – 2025

Implementing partners:
Center Science and Innovation for Development (SCiDEV)
Citizens Channel
Free Press Unlimited (FPU)
Financial Contribution: 127.885,00 EURO

This project aims to foster a secure and supportive environment for journalists in Albania, where they can carry out their work without facing threats, violence, or intimidation. This is done by promoting the essential role of the media as a pillar of democracy, encouraging accountability, transparency and an informed public discourse.
Through collaboration with key stakeholders, the project aims to enhance the safety of journalists directly by creating a safer environment for them. In addition, by bringing together relevant institutions through roundtable discussions, the project will push for the creation or improvement of institutional mechanisms. These include reporting tools, investigation protocols, and reliable mechanisms for data collection and publications on the safety and working conditions of journalists. Moreover, through awareness-raising campaigns the project will raise public awareness on the challenges journalists face and build public trust in the media. Lastly, this intervention will empower local and young journalists by training and mentoring them in digital security, ethical and safe field reporting.

For more information take a look at this link. 

STRONG PARTNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE REFORMS
Strengthening the role of civil society in addressing challenges for free and fair elections
2022 –2025

Implementing Partner:
Institute for Political Studies (IPS)
Other Project Partners:
Akademia e Studimeve Politike
Financial contribution: 148.160,00 EURO

In collaboration with the Institute for Political Studies, Akademia e Studimeve Politike and the Universities of Tirana, Durres, Vlore, Shkoder and Elbasan, The project  aims to strengthen the role of civil society in addressing challenges to free and fair elections in Albania.
This project has three main goals. Firstly to identify and address recommendations for legal and administrative changes in the electoral reform and other related legislation. Additionally, this projects strives to inform the public and raise awareness, especially that of young voters, on elections' standards and good practices. Moreover, it promotes participation of civil society, media organizations, experts and academics in the implementation of the electoral reforms and in increasing elections' standards in Albania.
For more information on IPS and the project take a look at the following link

TOWARDS A STRENGTHENED SPO
2022 – 2024  

Implementing Partner:
Center For International Legal Cooperation (CILC)
Financial contribution: 249.974,00 EUR

Since the establishment of the Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) in Albania, the Special Prosecution Office (SPO) has faced a steady increase in caseload. This project, Towards a strengthened SPO , aims to strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of the special prosecutors and to make SPAK more successful in the overall fight against organized crime and corruption. The project is implemented by the Center for International Legal Cooperation (CILC) based in The Hague, the Netherlands. Check for more information on the project and CILC at this link. 

UNIVERSITY LAW COMPETITION
2023 – 2025

Implementing partner : Halimi Foundation Institute
Financial support through the Regional Matra Program: 131.668,65 EURO

This regional Matra project, the University Law Competition, enables Albanian-speaking law students from Albania, Kosovo and North-Macedonia to enhance their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in various legal fields through a series of televised mock trials.
The Halimi Foundation Institute (HFI), hosts in total three editions of the University Law Competition. Each edition features twelve mock trials that are broadcasted live on television. The initiative not only aims to provide practical knowledge to the 144-200 participating law students, but additionally, the contest will improve legal awareness for a broader public. The project shows the public how to address the court, their proper treatment within the standards of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), and the execution of court decisions. Furthermore, the project aims to foster regional cooperation among universities and promote best practices in student professional education. Check for more information the Halimi Foundation Institute’s social media: facebook and instagram

MIGRANT STORIES
2023 – 2025

Implementing organization: Citizens Channel
Financial Support: 59.930,00 EURO

The aim of the project, Migrant Stories, is to raise awareness and foster discussion about the phenomenon of migration in its different forms and its impact and consequences, through podcasts, a social media campaign, short documentaries and live events in different parts of Albania. Migrant Stories is carried out by journalist platform Citizens Channel. Albania stands as a nation deeply affected by emigration, with one-third of the country’s population living outside of its territory, seeking better prospects abroad. In parallel, it is increasingly developing into a destination for a diverse range of migrants, including job seekers, students, refugees, and asylum seekers. In addition, like other Western Balkan countries, Albania is affected by third-country nationals transiting through the region, aiming for a better life in the EU. The existing migration discourse, however, predominantly revolves around emigration, potentially side-lining the experiences of incoming migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.
Migrant Stories aims to transform this narrative. By embracing a 360-degree view of migration, Citizens Channel strives to create a more empathetic and holistic understanding of migration's impacts, challenges, and opportunities. Through innovative multimedia approaches the voices of migrants at every stage, whether emigrating for economic reasons, seeking asylum or studying, will be amplified.

For more information on Citizens Channel take a look at this link.

CLUSTER ONE EU NEGOTIATIONS PLATFORM
EU Integration Civic Engagement Cluster 1. Improved Policy Debate and Accountability to Delivering on Fundamentals First, through the Establishment of Cluster One C1-EU-NPA EU Negotiations Platform – Albania
2024 – 2026

Implementing organizations:
Center for the Study of Democracy and Governance
Albanian Helsinki Committee
Institute for Political Studies (IPS)
Albanian Institute of Science

Financial contribution: 279.690,00 EURO

C1-EU-NPA support Albania’s EU accession negotiations on the Cluster One chapters “Fundamentals First” through strengthened public accountability and increased civil society engagement. The project is carried out by the Center for the Study of Democracy and Governance, Albanian Helsinki Committee, the Albanian Institute of Science and the Institute for Political Studies. Together they provide research, analysis, and resources on key topics related to Cluster 1 and the role of civil society in the integration process. Besides, C1-EU-NPA serves as a platform for networking, exchange, and cooperation between different stakeholders, including CSOs, policymakers, experts, academics and the general public. By doing this it strengthens accountability of the public institutions engaged in the negotiations and the overall pace of the process. Secondly, C1-EU-NPA aims to increase knowledge and inclusion of relevant stakeholders and the public. In addition, it provides policy expertise and advocacy to the public institutions that are involved. Moreover, the aim is to strengthen the overall engagement, role and visibility of Albanian civil society in the negotiations process.

For more information on C1-EU-NPA check out this link.