Technical Assistance for
Civil Society Organisations
Kosovo Office
This project is funded
by the European Union.
Technical Assistance for Civil Society Organizations (TACSO) - Kosovo
Third meeting of the Local Advisory Group – LAG for TACSO 2
12 June 2012
Meeting Minutes
The third meeting of LAG in TACSO II was designed to be in two sessions. The first session was focused
on TACSO project, deliverables and plans while the second session was focused on a workshop
discussing PRAG rules and CSO perspectives as part of regional initiative implemented by TACSO and
EUCLID network. The first session moderated by LAG chairman and presented by TACSO RA was
featured with statistics and pictures from each activity.
Ms. Ardita Metaj Dika, the Resident Advisor, TACSO Kosovo, called to order the third meeting of the
Local Advisory Group for TACSO second phase at 10:00 on 12 June 2012, at Sirius Hotel in Prishtina.
Participant of this meeting:
 Government Representatives
Ms. Edona Berisha, Ministry of Local Government Administration
 Donor Community
Ms. Gaby Hagmuller, Team Leader, Social Development, EUD
Ms. Dragana Stolic, Social Development Team / Operations Section, EUD
Ms. Mimoza Selimi, Contracting and Finances Department, EUD office
Ms. Luljeta Gjonbalaj, USAID

Civil Society Organisations
Ms. Venera Hajrullahu, Executive Director, Kosovar Foundation for Civil Society
Mr. Veton Mujaj, Executive Director, Syri i Visionit
Ms. Hamijete Dedolli, Executive Director, PVPT
Ms. Nevenka Medic, Executive Director, CRZ
Ms. Valdete Idrizi, Executive Director, CIVKOS
Mr. Afrim Maliqi, Executive Director, HANDIKOS
Ms. Venny Ala-Siurna, HANDIKOS
Ms. Feride Rushiti, Executive Director, KRCT

TACSO Kosovo project staff
Not present:
Mr. Arben Ahmeti, Board Chairman, Association of Professional Journalists of Kosova
Ms. Visare Gorani- Gashi, Embassy of Sweden
1
Technical Assistance for
Civil Society Organisations
Kosovo Office
This project is funded
by the European Union.
Meeting Agenda
Session I - TACSO project activities and future plans -moderated by LAG chairman
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Welcome remarks and objectives of the meeting, Veton Mujaj LAG chairman
Briefing on implemented TACSO project activities and future plans, Ardita Metaj, TACSO RA
Open discussion
Session II- “Making the PRActical Guide work for civil society”- facilitated by Fatmir Bytyqi
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Useful pillars for discussions:
Sharing practical cases of what does and what doesn’t work on EU fundingCommenting on specific articles of the PRAG Suggesting potential recommendations on what and how to change the elements that do not work.
Wrap up and closure of the meeting, LAG chairman
Summary of the meeting:


TACSO LAG chairmen opened the meeting presenting objectives of the meeting in line with the
agenda of the meeting.
TACSO Resident Advisor reported about the TACSO project activities and future plans
comprehensively on each component. She reported about the role of LAG in Civil Society Facility
Call. Informed LAG about interim report and on TACSO Kosovo office activities implemented and
example of synergies on actual processes (OGG/CIVIKOS, MIE, EU office in Kosovo).

She reported on TACSO Project visibility highlighting that the communication strategy was
prepared and adapted in line with working plan activities, promotional materials were prepared
and distributed in project activities, as well as project newsletters.

On the Research, Help Desk and Guidance she informed LAG that Help Desk assistance was
mainly focused on supporting CSOs in their application for the CSF regional call – thematic
networks and Civil society facility for Kosovo call. The assistance was delivered on the issues
related to guidelines, application package and PADOR registration. More than 80 % of the
assistance was delivered to less experienced organisations. A total of 18 CSOs were assisted to
do their registration in PADOR database. During the reporting period EU grantees benefited
with regular information that they receive from TACSO office and participation on TACSO
events.

During May-June period TACSO facilitated a total of 5 multi beneficiary P2P seminars. TACSO
role consisted on preparing/announcing the open call, collecting applications, preparing short
list organisations and sending recommendations to EUD Kosovo. After selection procedure
TACSO ensured that selected organisations have completed their documentation, were granted
with the VISA and have received all the relevant information about CSF- P2P and TACSO.
One single beneficiary P2P event on Cooperation between local governance and civil society was
implemented in 15-16 May 2012. TACSO supported EUD and P2P Brussels in identifying the
participants coming from civil society, getting their confirmations and filling out participation

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Technical Assistance for
Civil Society Organisations
Kosovo Office
This project is funded
by the European Union.
forms. TACSO delivered a presentation on the first session of the seminar presenting both
TACSO publications „Growing Together and Beyond Zero“elaborating best practices of
cooperation between government and civil society. Presentation was made in partnership with
KCSF. TACSO also facilitated working group workshops and prepared a written report on
conclusions of the workshop.

TACSO informed Kosovo CSOs about 2 Open calls for proposals: regional CfP on thematic
networks and Civil Society facility for Kosovo. Three information sessions were organised on
this call and a total of 85 CSOs participated on these activities.
On Capacity Development during the period May-June- TACSO organised three trainings “"How to get
funds from EU - preparation of the Concept Note" (PCM, Logframe, Budgeting)
During this quarter TACSO Kosovo implemented three (3) training activities “How to get funds from EUpreparation of the concept note” training curricula was prepared focusing on the PCM (project cycle
management, Log frame and Budgeting). Target group for these training activities was identified based
on the lots of the call for proposals ‘Civil Society Facility for Kosovo”
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
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Training 1- for a group of 18 CSOs dealing with Youth and sport activities, (10 urban and 8 Grass
root CSOs)
Training 2- 21 CSOs dealing with cooperation between government and civil society ( 15 urban
+6 grass root CSOs)
Training 3- 13 CSOs- Serbian community
In order to address weaknesses in the application process, training curricula’s have been designed in
close collaboration with the EC task managers. Training sessions were featured with practical examples
and simulation of an evaluation process. Moreover, a separate training session “Do’s and Don’ts” was
directly delivered by EC evaluators with concrete examples to practically explain and teach the
application process. This activity was organised with the aim to increase capacities of CSOs in their
applications for EU funded projects under the local call for proposal

TACSO Kosovo office has organised the national conference “Quality Assurance Standards –
What are they and Why do we need them’’ on 31 st May 2012, in Prishtina. The objective of this
conference was to discuss together different models of Quality Assurance Standards for civil
society organizations (CSOs) and impact on their sustainability. Conference brought together
representatives of Kosovo civil society organizations, regional and national experts and served
as a discussion platform to learn about contemporary trends of Quality Assurance Standards for
CSOs in the Western Balkan region, impact on the sustainability and possible application in
Kosovo civil society. Ms. Aida Daguda, Center for Promotion of Civil Society, Bosnia and
Hercegovina, a key expert of this field gave a presentation on the advantages and challenges of
different QAS models for CSOs. Representatives of Kosovar Foundation for Civil Society and
RIINVEST Institute for Development Research also gave presentations on this topic from Kosovo
perspective. A total of 33 CSOs attended the conference. In addition we are in process of
preparing a guide that will support Kosovo CSOs to start process of adopting specific QAS
standards.
During the reporting period TACSO office has prepared
3
Technical Assistance for
Civil Society Organisations
Kosovo Office



This project is funded
by the European Union.
Guidelines Supporting Future Partnership and Networking Activities
Guidelines on the Provision Guidance and Monitoring of EU-funded Projects
Supporting cooperation between CSOs –Guidelines
Guidelines are presented and elaborated in TACSO activities presenting capacity building tools for civil
society.
- On relationship between CSOs and external stakeholders RA informed also the LAG that the
Government of Kosovo has listed on its priority list the drafting of the Strategy for Cooperation with
Civil Society to be completed by June 2012. The CIVIKOS platform is mandated to have a leading role in
drafting of this strategy and ensures substantial participation of civil society.
TACSO Kosovo office has focused its deliverables in supporting CIVIKOS platform and Kosovo
Institutions to develop necessary mechanisms for cooperation and dialogue between both sectors, to
prepare this strategy as well as to strengthen their capacities. In this regard during spring 2012, TACSO
has supported various workshops and provided expertise for drafting the government Strategy for
Cooperation with Civil Society in which government officials together with civil society organizations
have developed objectives of this strategy.

Workshop on drafting strategy of cooperation between civil society and Kosovo Government,
Durres-Albania, 27-30 April 2012, total 27 participants.
-Further, TACSO organized a study visit to Poland for a mixed delegation comprised of representatives
of Kosovo Parliament, Government and Civil Society that took place from 14-18th May 2012. Delegation
consisted of directors of three Prime Minister Offices in Kosovo: Office for Good Governance, Legal
Office and Office for Strategic Planning, and Senior Legal Officer for European Partnership and Donor
Coordination within the Assembly of Kosovo, two representatives of civil society organizations, CiviKos
Platform including Executive Director of CiviKos Platform, representative of Kosovo Democratic Institute
participated in a 3-day study visit to Poland. This study visit provided an exchange of experiences and
lessons learned on cooperation between government and civil society organizations (CSOs). The overall
objective of the study tour was to contribute to the strategy of cooperation between government and
CSOs currently being developed and planned to be approved by the government of Kosovo in June
2012.
The programme was consisted of meetings devoted to the key areas related to cooperation between
government and CSOs on three levels: central, regional and local level. During the visit meetings were
conducted in Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland, Polish Parliament, Sejm of the
Republic of Poland, Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, Ministry of Culture and Polish Heritage, City
Hall of Legionowo, and meetings with representatives of Polish CSOs. Particular emphasis was given to
policy and capacity development issues, and concerns about the current status of cooperation between
government and CSOs in Poland
TACSO is supporting the strengthening of the CIVIKOS platform through different kind of assistance. On
the first hand TACSO is promoting the re-establishment of the platforms via different stakeholders such
as EUD, other institutions and donor community. TACSO has provided CIVIKOS with its internal database
of CSOs with the aim to facilitate the dialogue and cooperation between government and civil society.
4
Technical Assistance for
Civil Society Organisations
Kosovo Office
This project is funded
by the European Union.
CIVIKOS was also selected to participate in TACSO regional study visits, conferences and other national
training activities.
TACSO RA invited Ms. Valdete Idrizi, executive director of CIVIKOS platform and LAG member to present
their perspectives on the TACSO assistance in strengthening CIVIKOS capacities but also supporting the
drafting of government strategy for cooperation with civil society.
Ms. Valdete Idrizi, expressed the gratitude for TACSO assistance emphasising the crucial role that the
project had on facilitating the discussions in preparing the guidelines for CSF call –Kosovo that is
focused on supporting the dialogue between government and civil society in Kosovo, supporting the
drafting of strategy through inter governmental workshops and organising study visit in Poland.
In Poland we learned about their experiences and practices on Service Delivery, Public Benefit Status
and Public Funding It is important to emphasise that civil society participated substantially in this
process. All the assistance is contributing to drafting the strategy and the process is approaching to its
end.
-TACSO Kosovo office supported Ministry of European Integration, to hold its first consultative meeting
with civil society organisations (CSOs) on the annual program for Pre-Accession Instrument (IPA) 2013.
The purpose of this meeting was to get the inputs and expertise from CSOs on different project
proposals before they are submitted to the European Commission. The package of project proposals
were based on the priorities of the Kosovo institutions and those identified in the Multi Annual
Indicative Planning Document. This initiative was welcomed by civil society. A total of 61 participants
attended the meeting. It was concluded that sectorial based meetings should be organized in the future
to ensure more focused discussions. During this meeting, officials from respective ministries and
agencies presented 27 projects in the amount of € 92.68 million. Projects covered Public Administration
Reform, Justice, Freedom and Security and Economic Development. Within the Economic Development
were presented projects that belong to sub-areas: Industry, Business and Trade, Human and Physical
Capital and Agriculture.
-TACSO Kosovo RA informed about TACSO participation at the Donor coordination meetings –Embassy
of Sweden, and also TACSO involvement on EU dialogue with CSOs – SAP sectorial and plenary meetings
as well as on TACSO Involvement on facilitating the cooperation between parliament and civil society in
coordination with other donors.
-RA informed the LAG on planned activities as Regional Conference; Cooperation between government
and civil society; November 2012; Social Entrepreneurship Conference; CSOs- public image – role of
media. Also she informed them about the planned training activity for the EIDHR new contracts on
financial management of the EU project as well as the winning projects from the regional calls.
Open discussion:

Mr. Veton Mujaj, LAG chairman invited LAG members to discuss the presented activities and
future plans commenting on the successful activities implemented by TACSO Kosovo office.

Ms. Nevenka Medic, LAG member stated the importance of the initiatives by TACSO project to
implement activities in the Northern Kosovo and commented the relocation of the training
dedicated to Serb NGOs from Mitrovica North to Strpce saying that the training can be held in
5
Technical Assistance for
Civil Society Organisations
Kosovo Office
This project is funded
by the European Union.
Mitrovica and that when it comes to organising a training there is a need for a more face to face
contact with NGOs not only circulating emails.

Ms. Venera Hajrullahu, LAG member started her intervention emphasising the excellent work of
project in Kosovo. Among her remarks she emphasised the good work that project is doing on
coordinating deliverables with other actors and supporting effectively ongoing process related
to development of civil society in Kosovo. Replying on the comment done by Nevenka Medic
said that she sees her comments as important, to hear the voice of the community which we
want to reach through our activities, as there sometimes is difficult, we heard that only three
participants were from north, so the question is why there weren’t‘ t more participants from
Serb NGOs.

Ms. Nevenka Medic: the reason was that people planned their activities in accordance with the
training so the change of the location disorganised their plans, not because they have
movement restrictions. She pointed out that there is a need to work substantially with people.

Ms. Gabby Hugmuller, Team Leader EUD Kosovo and LAG member explained that change of the
location of the training was done due to the security situation in Mitrovica, and travel restriction
to EU staff, even that they were happy to have the training in Mitrovica north, they asked
TACSO to change the location, and thanked TACSO for making it happen the training because it
was basically within 24 hours to reorganise everything and that resulted in less participation.
Ms. Gaby Hagmuller also shared with LAG the information that DG Enlargement and DG
Development are in process of preparing a joint communication on cooperation with civil
society. This communication elaborates the cooperation with civil society not as a separate
sector with whom the national governments in Western Balkans should cooperate but as a
need/must to cooperate with civil society as part of all policies.

TACSO RA: TACSO emphasised the fact that project is delivering its assistance based on the
principle of offering equal opportunities to all NGOs in Kosovo, the training activities were also
provided and available to all NGOs regardless from they come.

Mr. Veton Mujaj, LAG chairman closed the discussions of the first session upon endorsement of
the presented activities, plans and discussions.
The second session of the meeting was on making the PRActical Guide work for civil society, for details
please see report from this workshop as annex of this document.
Next LAG meeting will be invited in September/October 2012.
Minutes prepared by: Shqipe Sveçla, PO TACSO Kosovo
Minutes approved by: Ardita Metaj-Dika -RA, TACSO-Kosovo on the 2 July 2012.
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