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.
New equipment for more accessible services and greater support for persons with disabilities
Another important step towards creating more accessible and inclusive communities has been made through the delivery of equipment to institutions and organisations that provide support to persons with disabilities. The Health Centre received a gynaecological examination chair adapted for persons with limited mobility, a hydraulic lift, and a three-panel privacy screen, improving the conditions for delivering healthcare services and ensuring better support for beneficiaries. At the “11 October” School, a medical practice room has been established to help familiarise children with developmental disabilities with medical examinations through an adapted and supportive approach, making healthcare environments less intimidating. The Association of Persons with Muscular Dystrophy received a hydraulic lift for the safe transfer of persons with limited mobility onto a massage table, making this service accessible to a larger number of beneficiaries. By strengthening the capacities of local institutions and organisations, this support helps remove barriers faced by persons with disabilities and contributes to more equal access to services, support, and opportunities for a better quality of life. The equipment was provided through the EMPOWERED project, which promotes the inclusion of persons with disabilities and supports the development of accessible and inclusive communities across the Western Balkans. The equipment was provided through the EMPOWERED project, implemented in Serbia by IDC – Initiative for development and cooperation with the support of the City of Leskovac, as part of a wider regional initiative led by ASB South East Europe. By supporting local institutions and organisations, the project helps create more accessible and inclusive communities for persons with disabilities throughout the Western Balkans.
EMPOWERED: A year and a half of working together for a more inclusive Western Balkans
Since the launch of the EMPOWERED – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, Regional Cooperation and Development in the Western Balkans project, partners from six Western Balkan countries have been working together to create societies where persons with disabilities have greater opportunities for participation, employment, and an improved quality of life. Over the first year and a half of implementation, significant results have been achieved, demonstrating the importance of regional cooperation, dialogue, and joint action in advancing the inclusion of persons with disabilities. As part of the project, regional and trilateral conferences brought together representatives of institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector from across the region. A Regional Working Group on the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities was also established, connecting experts, organizations, and decision-makers with the aim of improving policies and practices related to disability inclusion. At the local level, 15 local working groups were established, 10 local inclusion plans were developed, and 27 local inclusion projects were prepared. To ensure that the needs and perspectives of persons with disabilities are reflected in decision-making processes, more than 130 interviews, nearly 40 focus groups, and over 25 public consultations were conducted. Direct support for persons with disabilities and their families was provided through more than 200 psychosocial workshops and over 620 hours of career counselling. At the same time, vocational training, skills development, and employment support programmes created new opportunities for beneficiaries to strengthen their competencies and improve their access to the labour market. Advocacy and public awareness-raising activities have also been a key component of the project. Through campaigns, media outreach, and visibility activities, messages promoting inclusion have reached more than 600,000 people across the region. These achievements demonstrate that sustainable change is possible when institutions, civil society organizations, local communities, and persons with disabilities work together. EMPOWERED continues to build the foundations for a society where equal opportunities, active participation, and inclusion are accessible to all. The project is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and is implemented by ASB South East Europe, IDC Serbia, LIR CD, Alfa Centar Nikšić, CDI Macedonia, PREDA Plus Foundation, and the Albanian Disability Rights Foundation (ADRF).
Cancellation Notice of LOT 1 (Medical Neurofeedback Device) within the tender ref. no.: BOS2404_IDC/SUPP T 03
We inform you that on 16.06.2026. the organization Initiative for Development and Cooperation cancels the tender procedure for LOT 1: Medical Neurofeedback Device, within the tender reference number BOS2404_IDC/SUPP T 03, 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), due to the fact that no offer was received for this lot.
Certificates awarded to 20 participants following successful completion of vocational training
As part of the EMPOWERED – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, Regional Cooperation and Development in the Western Balkans project, a certificate award ceremony was held for 20 participants who successfully completed a vocational training programme designed for persons with disabilities. The training was implemented by LIR CD, the project partner in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the aim of enhancing participants’ knowledge, developing practical skills, and strengthening competencies that support greater inclusion in the labour market and community life. Throughout the programme, participants had the opportunity to acquire new knowledge and develop skills tailored to their individual abilities and needs. Through a combination of theoretical and practical learning, they were empowered to recognize their potential, build self-confidence, and take important steps towards greater independence. In addition to strengthening professional competencies, the programme contributed to the social inclusion of participants by providing opportunities for learning, interaction, and experience-sharing in a supportive and inclusive environment. The certificate award ceremony was an opportunity to recognize the commitment and achievements of all participants, while also highlighting the importance of investing in education, empowerment, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. Through the EMPOWERED project, we continue to promote inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities, believing that knowledge, skills, and support are essential for the full participation of persons with disabilities in the social and economic life of their communities. 💙
Tender Reference No.: BOS2404-LIRCD-WOR-T02
On 9th of June 2026, organization LIR Civil Society hereby announces the launch of a tender for Reconstructionof street sidewalks and installation of accessible ramps for safe mobility of persons with disabilities in Foča,BiH, reference number BOS2404-LIRCD-WOR-T02 within the project “EMPOWERED – Inclusion of personswith disabilities (PWDs), regional cooperation and development in the Western Balkans”, funded by theFederal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany (BMZ).All interested bidders are invited to submit their request for tender documentation on company’s letterhead,to the e-mail addresses: zoran.basic@lircd.org; maja.katic@lircd.org and ivana.bojinovic@lircd.orgThe deadline for submitting offers in accordance with the tender documentation is 09. 07. 2026, by 12:00.