Institutional Support to Network of Associations of Local Authorities in South East Europe (NALAS)


With an institutional support to the Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South – East Europe (NALAS), SDC supports the decentralization and democratization processes as well as stability in South East Europe (SEE). NALAS strengthens national associations of local governments and fosters communication and cooperation among them. Through its advocacy activities, NALAS will support local governments in SEE to become more visible and taken into account, both by national governments and European institutions.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
South-EastEurope
Governance
Rule of Law - Democracy - Human rights
Decentralisation
01.07.2013 - 31.12.2027
CHF  2’520’000
Background

With the change of the political system in the Southeast European (SEE) countries, the main role of the LGAs has been to provide services for their members (municipalities) in view to develop their competences and capacities, i.e. in administrative, legal, fiscal and management issues as well as social and economic development. The LGAs have also developed an important position and have played a crucial role in establishing cooperation and partnership relations with their central governments by representing and defending the interests of their members. The NALAS network brings together 16 LGAs, which represent 9000 local authorities, directly elected by 80 million citizens in the SEE. In the transitional period, LGAs that are now members of NALAS have played a significant role in the democratization of these ex-communist and socialist countries.

Objectives

The overall goal is to actively support the decentralization process in South East Europe through strengthening and connecting Local Government Associations and thus contribute to the democratization process and stability in the region. NALAS’ vision is that “Citizens of SEE enjoy democracy and regional stability through sustainable cities and communities. With the support of strong LGAs and NALAS, they benefit from efficient services of local governments and an adequate representation of their interests.”

Target groups

The direct target group are 16 national associations (LGAs) from twelve countries in the SEE region, 9000 units of local self government in all participating countries. Indirect target group are citizens in all 12 participating countries who will benefit from the improved services.

Medium-term outcomes

  • NALAS Knowledge Center is the main knowledge platform in South-East Europe(SEE) for and actively used by local governments (LGs);
  • Services offered to members strengthen Local Government Associations (LGAs) and their member local governments (LGs) in the decentralization process;
  • Interests of SEE Local Governments are visible and taken into account by European institutions;
  • Financial and institutional sustainability of NALAS is improved;
  • Results

    Results from previous phases:  

    In its previous strategy, NALAS had four strategic goals and according to an external review, the Association has become a significant actor in the field of local governance and decentralization in South – East Europe. The evaluation also confirms that the network has built strong links with member LGAs and created procedures for active member participation, and that the services NALAS provides for members are relevant and demand driven.


    Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
    Credit area Swiss cooperation with Eastern Europe
    Project partners Contract partner
    International or foreign NGO
    Swiss Non-profit Organisation
    • Other Swiss Non-profit Organisation
    • NALAS


    Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    2’520’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    2’325’037
    Project phases Phase 8 01.01.2018 - 31.12.2022   (Completed) Phase 7 01.07.2013 - 31.12.2027   (Current phase) Phase 6 01.08.2009 - 30.06.2013   (Completed)