Strengthening Inclusion in Albania — Empowered WB activities in Tirana and Shkodër
Empowered WB activities in Albania are progressing rapidly. In partnership with the Albanian Disability Rights Foundation (ADRF), a series of project actions has been carried out to support the development of more inclusive communities in Tirana and Shkodër. Through consultations, focus groups, and targeted trainings, we are strengthening local actors — municipal representatives, civil society organizations, and service providers. At the same time, we work with families of persons with disabilities to increase their capacities, awareness, and opportunities for active participation in local policies and services. Local projects are being developed to produce concrete changes on the ground and improve service accessibility. Next steps include delivering psychosocial workshops for families and beneficiaries, and implementing local inclusive projects that will enhance the everyday lives of persons with disabilities. These activities foster collaboration among all relevant stakeholders and contribute to building sustainable, inclusive solutions. We thank ADRF for their dedication and partnership — we look forward to continued cooperation and visible results for the communities in Tirana and Shkodër.
Tender ref.no.: BOS2404_CDI/SER T 03/RE-TENDER
PROVISION OF COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES FOR EXPERT CONSULTANCY AND DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL STRATEGIC DOCUMENTS, CAPACITY-BUILDING OF LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS, AND EDUCATIVE SUPPORT TO THE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (PwDs) We are informing you that on 13.03.2026 the organization Community Development Institute is opening the procurement for provision of comprehensive services for expert consultacy and development of local strategic documents, capacity-building of local stakeholders, and educative support to the people with disabilities (PwDs), reference number BOS2404_CDI/SER T 03/RE-TENDER, 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 the company’s memo to request the tender documentation to the e-mail info@cdi.mk. The deadline for submitting offers is April 2nd, 2026, at 12:00 hours.
EMPOWERED activities in North Macedonia — meetings in Valandovo and Demir Kapija
CDI Macedonia — ИРЗ Македонија held productive meetings in the municipalities of Valandovo and Demir Kapija as part of preparations for the EMPOWERED programme. In Valandovo, meetings were held with Mayor Gjoko Kamčev and Anita Trajkova to discuss local priorities, coordination and support mechanisms. In Demir Kapija, a meeting was held with Blagoj Jovanovski, coordinator of the working group, to align on timelines, stakeholder engagement and practical steps for project implementation. These consultations bring us closer to rolling out EMPOWERED activities in North Macedonia. Participants agreed on preparations for upcoming study visits, defined the working group’s responsibilities, and outlined next steps for developing and implementing local projects that will strengthen services and community support. We thank the municipal authorities for their support and constructive cooperation and look forward to continuing our joint work to deliver tangible results for local communities.
Tender Reference No.: BOS2404-PP-S05
T Invitation to Tender: Support with equipment and tools for speech therapists, physiotherapy and IT for the Source Class at Primary Lower Secondary School “Bajram Curri”, HandiKos and Association of Blind- Istog PREDA Plus hereby announces the launch of the tender for a “Support with equipment and tools for speech therapists, physiotherapy and IT for the Source Class at Primary Lower Secondary School “Bajram Curri”, HandiKos and Association of Blind- Istog”, under reference number BOS2404-PP-S05. This tender is issued as part of 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). Interested bidders are invited to submit their requests for tender documentation on official company letterhead between 13 – 26 March, 2026, by sending an email to: info-kosovo@predaplus.eu The deadline for submission of bids is April 14, 2026, at 15:00.
Cancellation Notice ref.no. BOS2404_IDC/WORKS T 01
We inform you that on 11.03.2026. the organization Initiative for Development and Cooperation canceled the tender procedure for the construction and installation of prefabricated house for persons with disabilities in city of Dimitrovgrad, ref.no. BOS2404_IDC/WORKS 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 Co-operation and Development, Germany (BMZ), , due to the fact that no offer was received in accordance with the financial resources available for this procurement.
Tender Reference No.: BOS2404-PP-S04
Tender Reference No.: BOS2404-PP-S04 Invitation to Tender: Service Contract for the Provision of Financial Audit Services PREDA Plus hereby announces the launch of the tender for a “Service Contract for the Provision of Financial Audit Services”, under reference number BOS2404-PP-S04. This tender is issued as part of 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). Interested bidders are invited to submit their requests for tender documentation on official company letterhead between 10 – 23 March, 2026, by sending an email to: info-kosovo@predaplus.eu The deadline for submission of bids is April 10, 2026, at 15:00.
New elevator in Bosanska Krupa — A concrete step toward inclusive municipal spaces
In Bosanska Krupa a contract has been signed for the installation of an elevator for persons with disabilities, as part of the EMPOWERED project activities implemented across all 15 participating municipalities. The agreement was concluded between the LIR CD organization and Elmedina Kavazović, Secretary of the Administrative Body of municipality Bosanska Krupa. The elevator will be fitted into an existing shaft in the municipal building and is scheduled for completion by mid‑April. Once installed, it will substantially improve accessibility of public spaces, facilitate access to municipal services, and ease daily life for residents who use wheelchairs or have reduced mobility. This intervention is one of several local inclusive projects being implemented within the EMPOWERED regional initiative. By delivering tangible infrastructure improvements alongside psychosocial support, career counselling and capacity‑building activities, the project pursues a holistic approach to inclusion. Key goals include strengthening local institutional capacities, enhancing access to services and public buildings, promoting equal participation in public and economic life, and creating sustainable local solutions that can be replicated across the Western Balkans. Practical accessibility measures such as this elevator are important because they remove everyday barriers, increase independence, and signal a broader commitment to dignity and rights. Infrastructure upgrades work together with training, policy work and community engagement to change attitudes, open opportunities for education and employment, and build more inclusive municipalities for all residents. We thank our partners and local stakeholders for their cooperation. This concrete step toward better accessibility reflects the project’s aim to combine direct local improvements with regional exchange of good practice to ensure lasting impact across all 15 municipalities.
Empowered result – Local action plan for inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Bosanska Krupa
The City of Bosanska Krupa has adopted and published its Local Action Plan for the inclusion and advancement of the rights of persons with disabilities for 2026–2028. The plan was developed in cooperation with LIR Civilno društvo (LIR CD) as part of the regional EMPOWERED project. Overview The plan sets a clear vision of Bosanska Krupa as a community of equal opportunities and defines strategic goals and time‑bound measures to remove physical, communication and institutional barriers that limit full participation of persons with disabilities. Key goals Planned measures The plan includes concrete interventions such as building adaptations and accessibility upgrades, accessible web and digital mapping tools, professional trainings for teachers and public servants, vocational and career counselling programmes, establishment of a day centre, pilot supported housing, and a local grant scheme to support newly formed organizations of persons with disabilities. Monitoring will be carried out through quarterly oversight meetings and annual evaluations. Regional scope These activities are being implemented across all 15 municipalities participating in the EMPOWERED project, ensuring coordinated local action and exchange of best practices throughout the Western Balkans. Project lead and donor The EMPOWERED project is led by Arbeiter‑Samariter‑Bund Deutschland e.V. (ASB) and implemented locally by partners including LIR CD. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). For more information and to access the full Local Action Plan, visit: [link]
Tender ref.no.: BOS2404_CDI/SER T 03
PROVISION OF COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES FOR EXPERT CONSULTANCY AND DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL STRATEGIC DOCUMENTS, CAPACITY-BUILDING OF LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS, AND EDUCATIVE SUPPORT TO THE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (PwDs) We inform you about cancellation of the tender procedure for provision of comprehensive services for expert consultancy and development of local strategic documents, capacity-building of local stakeholders, and educative support to the people with disabilities (PwDs)/ (three lots), within the project “EMPOWERED – INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDS), REGIONAL COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE WESTERN BALKANS”, Ref.No. BOS2404_CDI/SER T 03, due to technical irregularities in the tender evaluation.
Empowered study visit Croatia – Slovenia 2026
Empowered two-day study visit (24–27 March 2026) — Inclusion of persons with disabilities, regional cooperation and development in the Western Balkans Under the EMPOWERED project led by ASB SEE with LIR CD as local organizer, representatives of civil society, state institutions, the private sector and regional experts from six Western Balkans countries will take part in a study visit to Croatia and Slovenia (24–27 March 2026). The visit will highlight community-based services, deinstitutionalization, inclusive employment and legislative frameworks that support the social and labour-market inclusion of persons with disabilities (PwDs). Please download: AGENDA and LOGISTICS GUIDE Program highlights ✅Day 1 (24/03) — Arrival in Zagreb, orientation briefing and networking dinner. ✅Day 2 (25/03) — Sveti Ivan Zelina: welcome at City Hall, presentations on community-based daily services, occupational and socio‑educational activities, supported living models, cooperation with local employers and social investment funds; site visit to a Day Centre and Supported Housing programme; working lunch and reflection session on transferability and pilot actions for WB6 countries. ✅Day 3 (26/03) — Ljubljana: visit to an inclusive company / protected workshop (Želva) and the University Rehabilitation Institute Soča; high-level sessions on disability legislation, vocational rehabilitation, employment services, quota systems, employer incentives and funding mechanisms; Q&A and practical demonstrations. ✅Day 4 (27/03) — Return to WB6 countries and internal evaluation. Objectives and expected outcomes ✅Exchange and document good practices and concrete models for better inclusion of PwDs through education, employment and community support. ✅Strengthen regional cooperation and identify pilot partnership opportunities across WB6. ✅Collect case studies and practical recommendations to feed the EMPOWERED Guide for effective Public‑Private‑Civil partnerships and future advocacy materials. Organizers and partners EMPOWERED project — led by ASB SEE, organized in cooperation with LIR Civil Society (LIR CD) and regional partners. For participants Participants will include representatives from private sector companies, NGOs, local governments, rehabilitation and employment services, and other stakeholders involved in PwD inclusion. The visit will combine site visits, expert presentations, Q&A sessions and reflection workshops to facilitate learning and replication.