Since 1999, CIPE and its local partners have played a lead role in promoting democratic and economic reform in Serbia. This has been one of the most difficult political environments ever faced by CIPE, one deeply scarred by the cronyism, corruption, and criminal conduct of the Milosevic regime. Working with the new political leadership in Serbia, as well as at the grass roots level, CIPE and its local partners have worked to build public awareness of and support for democracy and a more open economy. Below is a sampling of recent CIPE projects there.
Yugoslav Opposition Economic Reform Platform Project
In 1999, CIPE was awarded a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) grant to work with Serbia's Alliance for Change, providing technical assistance and policy support necessary for a comprehensive economic reform program.
Following the overwhelming victory by the Democratic Opposition of Serbia in December's elections, the broader impact of the program is now becoming evident. Many members of the project's policy team and advisory board were appointed to high-level offices within the new government at the beginning of 2001. CIPE is working with local counterparts to provide maximum post-election support for democratic and economic reform.
Alliance for Local Communities Sustainable Development
The Alliance of Small and Medium Enterprises and Handicrafts of Serbia (SIGMA) brought together in 1999 the Belgrade Handicrafts Association and groups from half a dozen "free" communities to create Serbia's first national business coalition to promote the interests of entrepreneurs. CIPE's support enabled the Alliance to legalize its formation, devise relevant strategies and policies, and gain technical support to develop its advocacy programs.
With USAID-funded support, SIGMA and the Alliance for Local Communities Sustainable Development (ALCD) then established a civic coalition project designed to improve dialogue among local business associations, local governments, and the community of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Strengthening coalitions in ten communities, ALCD and SIGMA are working with representatives of each sector on public advocacy, coalition formation, and the importance of NGOs, the business community, and local governments in developing a civil society and promoting economic development.
OPEN Chamber / Association New View
CIPE's most recent National Endowment for Democracy-funded project in Serbia involves the OPEN Chamber, Serbia's first independent chamber of commerce located in the "free city" of Pancevo. The OPEN Chamber sought technical assistance from CIPE in strategic planning to improve its long-term sustainability and its growing participation in Serbia's emerging democracy.
In recent months, the Chamber changed its name to "Association New View," which better reflects the organization's evolving mission. Today, Association New View is working with CIPE to develop an advocacy plan based on such key issues as taxation, deregulation, and infrastructure-building, as well as conducting training programs in accounting, legal frameworks, and private property rights. The Association is also working with CIPE on a public awareness and public service campaign that will help to disseminate the Association's message of reform.
Following the recent change of government in Serbia, CIPE partners are now playing key policymaking roles at the highest levels of Serbian society.
Based on their work in the Yugoslav Opposition Economic Reform Platform Project, leading members of the Working Team and Advisory Board are now in key government positions where they are pivotal in implementing reform plans. Some of these include:
Additional CIPE partners now active in government include: