Tender ref.no.: BOS2404_IDC/SER T 07

TENDER FOR PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE GUIDE ON PPC PARTNERSHIPS We are informing you that on August 6, 2026 the organization Initiative for Development and Cooperation is opening the procurement for provision of services for development of the guide on PPC Partnershps, reference number BOS2404_IDC/SER T 07, within the project “EMPOWERED – INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDS), REGIONAL COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE WESTERN BALKANS”, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development, Germany (BMZ). All interested bidders may send a request on company’s memo to request the tender documentation to the e-mail procurement@idcserbia.org. The deadline for submitting offers is September 7, 2026. at 12:00 hours.

Inclusion begins with opportunities: Building stronger and more inclusive communities

Inclusion is not created through a single action. It is built step by step – through new opportunities, skills, partnerships and the continuous removal of barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from participating equally in society. Through the EMPOWERED – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, Regional Cooperation and Development in the Western Balkans project, partners across the region are working together to create communities in which persons with disabilities have greater opportunities to participate, work, develop their potential and contribute to society. A key focus of the project is strengthening opportunities at the local level. By bringing together persons with disabilities, local authorities, civil society organizations, institutions, employers and other relevant stakeholders, EMPOWERED supports the development of solutions that respond to the real needs of local communities. Particular attention is given to improving access to employment and economic opportunities. Through different forms of support, capacity building, vocational development and cooperation with local stakeholders, the project aims to help create an environment in which persons with disabilities can develop their skills and participate more actively in the labour market. At the same time, meaningful inclusion requires more than access to services and employment. It also means ensuring that persons with disabilities are actively involved in decisions that affect their lives. Their experiences, perspectives and priorities are essential for developing policies and local initiatives that can bring sustainable and lasting change. Across the Western Balkans, EMPOWERED partners continue to strengthen cooperation between communities, institutions and organizations, encouraging an approach in which inclusion becomes a shared responsibility. Real change does not happen overnight. It is created through everyday actions, long-term commitment and partnerships that turn ideas into concrete opportunities. Every new skill learned, every partnership created and every barrier removed brings us one step closer to communities where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed. Through EMPOWERED, we continue working towards a Western Balkans where inclusion is not only an aspiration, but part of everyday life.

Tender ref. No.: BOS2404_AC/SUPP T 01

We hereby inform you that on 31st July 2026, ALFA Center is launching a tender for Supply of rental vehicles, reference number NO. BOS2404_AC/SUPP T 01, within the framework of the project “EMPOWERED – Inclusion of People with Disabilities, Regional Cooperation and Development in the Western Balkans”, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic of Germany (BMZ). All interested bidders are invited to submit a request to obtain the tender documentation to the following e-mail address: alfacentar@t-com.me. The deadline for submission of bids, in accordance with the tender documentation, is 31 August 2026 at 12:00 (noon).

Tender ref.no.: BOS2404_CDI/SUPP T 01SUPPLY OF RENTAL VEHICLE

We inform you about cancellation of the tender procedure for the supply of a rental vehicle, withinthe project “EMPOWERED – INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDS), REGIONALCOOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE WESTERN BALKANS”, Ref. No. BOS2404_CDI/SUPP T 01,due to an insufficient number of offers.We remain at your disposal for any additional information.

Partnerships that drive inclusion across the Western Balkans

Inclusion is not achieved through isolated efforts. It is built through strong partnerships, local ownership and a shared commitment to creating communities where persons with disabilities can participate equally in every aspect of life.Across the Western Balkans, the EMPOWERED project continues to bring together municipalities, civil society organizations, institutions and local communities to strengthen disability inclusion through practical, locally driven solutions. By encouraging cooperation, supporting local initiatives and promoting dialogue, the project is helping create more accessible, inclusive and sustainable communities. Over the past period, significant progress has been made across all six project countries. Local Working Groups have been established and actively engaged in identifying priorities and developing Local Inclusion Plans tailored to the needs of their communities. Through these collaborative processes, municipalities and organizations are working together to implement concrete actions that improve the daily lives of persons with disabilities.The project has also supported numerous local initiatives, strengthened the capacities of local stakeholders through training and mentoring, and encouraged the exchange of knowledge and good practices across the region. Career counselling, psychosocial support activities, public consultations and community-based interventions continue to empower persons with disabilities while promoting their active participation in social and economic life.These achievements demonstrate the value of regional cooperation and underline the importance of investing in partnerships that place inclusion at the center of local development.As the project moves forward, EMPOWERED will continue to support municipalities, organizations and communities in developing innovative, sustainable and inclusive solutions that ensure no one is left behind.Together, we are building stronger partnerships, more inclusive communities and greater opportunities for persons with disabilities throughout the Western Balkans. The EMPOWERED – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, Regional Cooperation and Development in the Western Balkans project is led by Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund SEE and implemented in partnership with IDC Serbia, LIR CD, PREDA Plus Foundation, Alfa Center, Community Development Institute (CDI) and Albanian Disability Rights Foundation (ADRF). The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

New vocational training cycle launched in Travnik to strengthen employment opportunities for persons with disabilities

The EMPOWERED project continues to create new opportunities for the labour market inclusion of persons with disabilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.Following the successful completion of vocational training by 12 participants, who received certificates recognizing their newly acquired skills, project partner LIR CD has launched a new training cycle for eight additional persons with disabilities in Travnik. The training programme is designed to strengthen participants’ knowledge and practical competencies, increasing their employability and supporting their active participation in the labour market. Beyond developing professional skills, the initiative also contributes to building confidence, promoting equal opportunities, and reducing barriers to employment. The EMPOWERED project remains committed to supporting inclusive local communities where persons with disabilities have greater access to education, employment, and sustainable livelihoods.

Tender ref.no.: BOS2404_IDC/SER T 06

TENDER FOR PROVISION OF COMPREHENSIVE EXPERT SERVICES FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (VET) AND WORK INTEGRATION PROGRAM (WIP) FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PwDs) We are informing you that on July 13, 2026 the organization Initiative for Development and Cooperation is opening the procurement for provision of comprehensive expert services for vocational education and training (VET) and work integration program (WIP) for persons with disabilities (PwDs), reference number BOS2404_IDC/SER T 06, within the project “EMPOWERED – INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDS), REGIONAL COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE WESTERN BALKANS”, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development, Germany (BMZ). All interested bidders may send a request on company’s memo to request the tender documentation to the e-mail procurement@idcserbia.org. The deadline for submitting offers is August 12, 2026. at 12:00 hours.

Tender Ref. No.: BOS2404-ALFA-SER-T04

We hereby inform you that on 9 July 2026, ALFA Center is launching a tender for the Provision of Comprehensive Services for Specialized Career Counselling Support to People with Disabilities (PwDs), reference number BOS2404-ALFA-SER-T04, within the framework of the project “EMPOWERED – Inclusion of People with Disabilities, Regional Cooperation and Development in the Western Balkans”, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic of Germany (BMZ). All interested bidders are invited to submit a request to obtain the tender documentation to the following e-mail address: alfacentar@t-com.me. The deadline for submission of bids, in accordance with the tender documentation, is 10 August 2026 at 12:00 (noon).

Labour market inclusion of persons with disabilities in the Western Balkans – Regional analysis and policy recommendations

How inclusive are labour markets in the Western Balkans for persons with disabilities? Which support mechanisms are producing results, and where are the key gaps that still need to be addressed? Persons with disabilities continue to face numerous barriers when seeking access to employment and equal opportunities in the labour market. Understanding these challenges, as well as identifying effective support mechanisms, is essential for creating more inclusive societies across the Western Balkans. The newly published report “Labour market inclusion of persons with disabilities in the Western Balkan region”, prepared within the EMPOWERED project, provides a comprehensive overview of the current situation and examines the key factors shaping labour market inclusion in the region. Drawing on extensive research conducted between December 2024 and March 2025, the publication analyses legal frameworks, institutional arrangements, employment policies, active labour market measures, and financial support mechanisms in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. The report also presents selected examples of good practice from European Union member states. While important progress has been achieved in recent years, the analysis highlights that many persons with disabilities still encounter limited access to employment measures, insufficient support services, accessibility barriers, and challenges related to cross-sectoral cooperation. At the same time, the report identifies promising approaches and policy solutions that can contribute to greater participation of persons with disabilities in economic and social life. By providing evidence-based findings and recommendations, the publication aims to support policy dialogue and contribute to the development of a shared regional approach to disability inclusion and employment. Prepared by Aleksandar Rončević, labour market consultant, the report was developed within the EMPOWERED – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, Regional Cooperation and Development in the Western Balkans project, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of the Federal Republic of Germany and led by Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund Deutschland e.V. (ASB). The project is implemented in partnership with Initiative for Development and Cooperation (IDC) Serbia, LIR Civil Society (LIR CD) Bosnia and Herzegovina, PREDA Plus Kosovo, Community Development Institute (CDI) North Macedonia, Albanian Disability Rights Foundation (ADRF) Albania, and Alfa Centar Montenegro. The report is available for download below.

Tender ref.no.: BOS2404_CDI/SUPP T 01

We are informing you that on 24.06.2026, the organization Community Development Institute is opening the procurement for the supply of a rental vehicle, reference number BOS2404_CDI/SUPP T 01, within the project “EMPOWERED – INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDS), REGIONAL COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE WESTERN BALKANS”, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany (BMZ).  All interested bidders may send a request on the company’s memo to request the tender documentation to the e-mail info@cdi.mk. The deadline for submitting offers is July 24th, 2026, at 12:00 hours.