PROJECT ID

• Finance Instrument: Democracy Commission Small Grants Program – U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia
• Action Type: Youth dialogue, peacebuilding, research, civic engagement
• Project Status: Completed
• Implementation Period: 2023
• Funded by: U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia
• Lead Organization: Youth Alliance – Krusevo
• Project partners: Researchers, youth organizations, civil society actors and stakeholders from North Macedonia and Bulgaria, including youth networks, think tanks, and youth councils.
• Main aim: To strengthen dialogue and cooperation between young people and stakeholders from North Macedonia and Bulgaria by generating data on youth perceptions, facilitating inclusive dialogue, and developing recommendations for improving bilateral relations and youth cooperation.

PROJECT LOGIC

If young people and stakeholders from North Macedonia and Bulgaria are provided with reliable data about youth perceptions, safe spaces for dialogue, and opportunities to collaboratively discuss sensitive political and social issues, then they can better understand the challenges affecting bilateral relations and jointly develop constructive solutions for future cooperation. By combining participatory research, multi-stakeholder dialogue, and policy recommendations, the project aimed to contribute to more trust, cooperation, and youth-led engagement in strengthening good neighbourly relations between the two countries.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Youth engagement and participation

• 826 young people participated in the online research phase
• 48 representatives of civil society organizations, think tanks and academia participated in focus groups
• 46 stakeholders from North Macedonia and Bulgaria participated in the multi-stakeholder dialogue forum
• A database of over 3,800 contacts from youth organizations, networks, universities and institutions was created

High-quality research and dialogue process

• Participatory research implemented through online surveys, focus groups and observations
• Research methodology developed by a joint team of researchers from both countries with youth advisory participation
• Over 1000 decision makers and stakeholders received the final research report and recommendations

Regional networking and partnership creation

• Stronger cooperation established between youth networks, civil society organizations and research institutions from both countries
• New collaboration opportunities identified between organizations such as the National Youth Council of North Macedonia and the National Youth Forum of Bulgaria

Constructive multi-stakeholder dialogue

• A 3-day dialogue forum in Skopje brought together youth leaders, researchers, policymakers, and civil society representatives
• 86% of participants evaluated the discussions as productive and constructive
• Participants jointly explored solutions for improving bilateral youth cooperation and countering negative narratives

Visibility and outreach

• More than 6,000 contacts informed about the project and its research phase
• Project results disseminated through social media, mailing lists and stakeholder networks
• Wide outreach among youth organizations, policymakers and media actors in both countries

MAIN RESULTS AND OUTPUTS

• Establishment of a Youth Advisory Council composed of young representatives from North Macedonia and Bulgaria
• Implementation of a participatory research analysis involving youth perceptions on bilateral relations
• Organization of four focus groups with civil society representatives, youth leaders and researchers
• Publication of a research report on youth perceptions of relations between North Macedonia and Bulgaria
• Creation of an infographic summarizing the research findings
• Organization of a multi-stakeholder dialogue forum in Skopje
• Development and dissemination of a White Paper with policy recommendations for strengthening youth cooperation
• Creation of an extensive database of stakeholders and youth actors for future cooperation initiatives                                                                            
  

IMPACT

On Young People

Young participants developed stronger critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the complexities shaping bilateral relations between North Macedonia and Bulgaria. Through participation in the research and dialogue process, they gained confidence in expressing their views and engaging in constructive discussions about sensitive political and historical issues.

On Regional Communities

The project helped create spaces for dialogue during a politically sensitive period, encouraging open conversations about media narratives, historical disputes, and stereotypes. By facilitating cross-border communication between young people and stakeholders, the project contributed to building trust and promoting more balanced narratives about cooperation between the two countries.

On Stakeholders

Civil society organizations, youth councils, researchers and policymakers gained access to new data and insights on youth perceptions and attitudes toward bilateral relations. The research findings and policy recommendations provide a valuable resource for future initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation, dialogue, and youth engagement in regional relations.

KEY DOCUMENTS AND RESOURCES 

        RESEARCH REPORT                    INFOGRAPHIC                               WHITE PAPER                           БЕЛА КНИГА