The Center for Democracy and Reconciliation in Southeast Europe is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation that seeks to foster democratic, pluralist, and peaceful societies in Southeast Europe. We advocate principles of social responsibility, sustainable development, and reconciliation among the peoples in the region. We accomplish these goals via seminars, publications, conferences, research projects, exchange programmes, and opinion polls.
A few words from CDRSEE Executive Director Zvezdana KovacWhenever there is a gap between what people need and what people believe a government can or should provide – there is ‘Civil society’.
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With creativity, cooperation and ideas for the pan-European dissemination of participative, multi-perspective and critical thinking materials on remembrance education, the RETHINK project entered its second Workpackage phase; that of upscaling an
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From 16 to 18 October, 2018 the 1st Bulgarian-Greek Talks, organised under the auspices of the Public Policy Institute and the Hanns Seidel Foundation, in collaboration with the CDRSEE, the CIEEL and the Institute for Balkan Studi
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The last of the ‘Teaching for Learning’ series of seminars, specially designed for educators from across Southeast Europe, took place in Banja Luka, Republika Srpska, on 11-12 October.
Read MoreDeveloping innovative educational methodologies to empower tomorrow’s democratic citizens with critical thinking and multi-perspective skills. Read more
Utilising the power of the media to promote dialogue, share experiences and overcome disagreements without violence. Read more
Long-term integration of marginalised groups through creative, educational and practical projects-putting the people in control of their own destinies. Read more
"This project will, I am sure, recognise both the shared suffering and the achievements of the region. In this way, I believe it can provide a valuable contribution to overcoming the painful legacies of the past, and to helping newer generations understand the importance of moving forward together towards the EU."
"Reconciliation in the Western Balkans will take time and requires sustained, creative efforts from governments and civil society. As a parliamentarian in Brussels for 18 years, I have been particularly supportive of initiatives for young people and also those that encourage lasting, sustainable peace and development in the Southeast Europe region. The CDRSEE has consistently developed effective, positive and inclusive programmes that understand the importance of the role of the next generation in securing a lasting peace and flourishing of the Western Balkans. It not only promotes a message, but also lives it: showing that conflicts can be overcome with dialogue and that there is unity in diversity."
“Following the fall of USSR, our neighboring Balkan economies will need every support we can give them to restore democratic values and free market regulations.
The Greek business community has a serious interest to contribute towards these institutional reforms, as a means of social and economic development of the Balkan people and the creation of a strong regional market.”
“Let me first say, how much I am in favor of the Join initiative and how much I admire the efforts to put it in practice. After the success of the 4 existing volumes -- the Ottoman Empire, States and Nations, the Balkan Wars, and the Second World War -- comes the period after the Second World War, usually defined as the Cold War, as well as the contemporary period, what the Germans call Zeitgeschichte. In many ways, these are the more difficult volumes because of the enormity of material that has to be sifted and because of the closeness of the period and the strong memories or opinions bolstered by lived experience. I have been particularly impressed by the pedagogical side: the aptness of the QUESTIONS and TASKS which beautifully integrate the sources offered for interpretation.”
"The Joint History Project is one of the best invested money in terms of supporting future member states to move closer towards the EU."
“The most important is to depict history as it was which is, in a region where there were wars just recently, a very difficult issue. Therefore, we are very grateful that this project (…) has produced a cooperation between the different countries of Southeastern Europe. We hope that this will contribute to reconciliation and to overcome the problems of the past and to find consensus."
“I am very proud of the CDRSEE and its presence in Thessaloniki. The aim of the Center is the creation of a peaceful atmosphere among the Balkan nations that have suffered from wars, populism and rivalries over the past 15 to 20 years that have traumatized all of us (…) The municipality of Thessaloniki will support the CDRSEE’s role in this direction and will reinforce its attempt to put aside any difference and promote and focus on the things that unite the Balkan area.”
“…As one of the founders, and the founding chairman of the CDRSEE, I recall vividly our origins and original conception and am very proud that we have remained true to it (…) In thinking back on our early days, I want to make special note of the inspirational leadership provided by my longtime friend and mentor, U.S. Congressman John Bradamas, who provided to us vision and guidance, as well as practical help with policy makers in Washington and Europe, and also the important roles of Nikos Efthymiadis as a trusted business leader and forward-looking thinker in Thessaloniki, and Costas Carras as a person of principle, a deep thinker and an active doer.”
“For bad things to happen, all it takes is for good people to do nothing. The CDRSEE belongs to those who work every single day for democracy, the rule of law and human rights.”
