Serbia

ACT for a Stronger Civil Society

Continuing on the achievements and lessons learned of ACT-1 (2019 – 2023) and considering the deteriorating environment for civic engagement in Serbia, ACT-2 (2023 – 2027) continues to strengthen civil society actors across the country by facilitating the transformation process of mission-driven CSO in their efforts to consolidate the constituencies, diversify sources of funding and engage citizens in public dialogue and participatory decision making at all levels.

Project Name

For an Active Civil Society Together – ACT (implemented by Helvetas and local partner Civic Initiatives)
Project Phase

2019 to 2027
Funding

This project is an SDC mandate.
Thematic focus

Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

With the aim to further increase effectiveness and impact, ACT-2 actively includes also informal civil society movements, supports civil society cooperation and joint initiatives within thematic domains, and promotes dialogue and collaboration between the civil society, the public, and private sector and other relevant system actors.

During the first phase of the ACT project, more than 150,000 people across Serbia benefited from the services and initiatives provided by the supported civil society organizations (CSOs). Their public advocacy initiatives resulted in the adoption or amendment of 33 legal/policy documents (laws, strategies, action plans, etc.) at the local level and 11 legal/policy documents at the national level.

Struggle for democracy

Second phase of ACT project is marked with rising socio-political tensions in the Serbian society and growing pressure on civil society. Student protests that started at the end of 2024 continued in 2025, including a notable 1,300 km cycling journey to Strasbourg, France, to raise awareness in the European Union institutions about the situation in Serbia.

Defamation campaigns against numerous CSOs, informal groups, and their leaders intensified in 2024. As protests grew, pro-government media outlets and tabloids published numerous articles labelling these entities as ‘traitors’, ‘foreign agents’, etc. In August 2024, Helvetas was specifically targeted in several tabloids, identified as a foreign organization working against Serbia's interests. Helvetas’ consortium partner on ACT project – civil society organization “Civic Initiatives” was specifically targeted, and their premises were raided by the police in early 2025. All these event signal that the authoritarian regime is on the rise, while the basic freedoms - of speech and of assembly are jeopardized.

Tragedy which sparked student-led protests

On November 1st, 2024, the collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy resulted in the tragic deaths of 16 individuals.

This incident triggered widespread public concern across Serbia, with citizens questioning the structural integrity and maintenance oversight of public infrastructure. Authorities initiated an investigation into the causes of the collapse, but public frustration mounted due to perceived lack of accountability in the official response. Initial protests consisted primarily of quiet vigils held in remembrance of the victims. Authorities initially denied responsibility, attributing the collapse to an accident. Students from Belgrade and Novi Sad universities spearheaded the subsequent protests, demanding a transparent investigation, the release of relevant documents, and accountability for the incident. During the ongoing protests, several instances of physical assaults on protesters by organized groups were reported.

ACT support civil society in the time of uncertainty

Civil society in Serbia is under the strong pressure, making the everyday work of CSOs difficult, particularly in advocacy. Now more than ever they need to fight for democracy and democratic values. ACT is here to help thirty partner CSOs in navigating through these difficult times, by strengthening their capacities for communication, community building and fundraising. These thirty CSOs have committed to a 2.5-year development program, supported by a team of experienced trainers and mentors who provide tailored training and ongoing mentorship to strengthen their organizational capacities.

Through ACT, they receive empowerment for future actions, and local initiatives. This kind of support is essential - If they are strong, independent and self-reliant, they will find it easier to bravely resist the constant pressures they faced.