Consortium

Website: www.eurocrim.com

The European University Center for Crime & Justice (EUROCRIM), directed by Professor Dimitris Ziouvas, is a leading research and education university unit affiliated with Panteion University of Athens for Social and Political Sciences. The University Center has a strong record in coordinating Erasmus+, Horizon Europe and CERV projects and brings academic expertise in civic education, democratic participation and policy analysis. EUROCRIM coordinates RISE Balkans and oversees the overall management, quality assurance and delivery of the project.

Role in RISE Balkans: Project coordinator. Leads Work Package 1 (Youth and Governance: Reality Check), Work Package 7 (Youth Lead Initiatives and Mentoring), Work Package 9 (online event on integrity and anti-corruption) and Work Package 14 (Final Conference), and implements the national activities in Greece in cooperation with EURO-EDU.

Project Lead: Professor Dimitris Ziouvas

International European Education (EURO-EDU) is a non-profit research and educational institution based in Athens, Greece, with a strong focus on youth education and good governance. It engages young people in Greece and Europe in leadership development and empowers them to drive change. EURO-EDU is a member of an extensive network of regional and international organisations.

Role in RISE Balkans: Leads Work Package 5 (Good Governance Clinics: Story Telling Production) and Work Package 13 (online event on inclusive democracy), and implements the national activities in Greece in cooperation with EUROCRIM.

Website: www.unwe.bg

The University of National and World Economy (UNWE), in Sofia, is one of the oldest and largest higher education institutions in Bulgaria and South-East Europe, specialising in economics, political science, public administration and European studies. With a tradition of more than 100 years, it plays a leading role in shaping public policy, governance reforms and economic development in the region. Through its strong emphasis on good governance, the rule of law and democratic participation, UNWE combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing future leaders and policymakers.

Role in RISE Balkans: Leads Work Package 2 (Good Governance Clinics – Thematic Youth Sessions) and the Comparative Analysis Report (D1.2), and implements the national activities in Bulgaria in cooperation with NSC.

The National Student Confederation (NSC) is a non-governmental organisation in Bulgaria that has represented student interests since 1991, when it was founded by associations from 24 universities and colleges. It manages the Center for European Cooperation and Promotion of Active Citizenship and has built strong partnerships with institutional and civil society actors. With 13 international projects implemented under the EU Youth, Youth in Action and Erasmus+ programmes, including the award-winning project “Expanding European Awareness”, NSC brings significant expertise in youth mobilisation, civic education and structured dialogue. In RISE Balkans, it helps engage diverse youth audiences and keeps the perspectives of young people at the heart of the project.

Role in RISE Balkans: Leads Work Package 6 (Youth Bootcamps – Simulating Participation, Shaping Change) and Work Package 12 (online event on civic tech and digital democracy), and implements the national activities in Bulgaria in cooperation with UNWE.

Website: www.pravo.unizg.hr

The Faculty of Law of the University of Zagreb is the oldest and most prominent law school in Croatia and a leading academic institution in South-East Europe. With a distinguished tradition of excellence in legal education and research, it plays a key role in public law, constitutional governance, human rights protection and anti-corruption initiatives, both nationally and regionally. The Faculty combines academic rigour with a strong commitment to democratic values, the rule of law and European integration, and actively participates in European networks and projects, fostering legal innovation and cross-border cooperation.

Role in RISE Balkans: Leads Work Package 8 (Policy Dialogue with Institutions – Elevating Youth Voices in Governance) and Work Package 11 (online event on citizen participation in lawmaking), and implements the national activities in Croatia in cooperation with CMT.

Website: www.tripalo.hr

The Centre for Democracy and Law Miko Tripalo (CMT), based in Zagreb, is a Croatian organisation committed to promoting the rule of law, democratic governance and evidence-based policymaking. Founded on the vision of a free, open and participatory society, the Centre brings together experts from fields such as law, political science, sociology and economics. Its strength lies in combining academic research with practical public policy dialogue and in advocating for reforms that enhance transparency, accountability and civic participation in Croatia’s democratic processes.

Role in RISE Balkans: Leads Work Package 4 (Governance Talks / Meet the Guests) and Work Package 10 (online event on open governance and transparency), and implements the national activities in Croatia in cooperation with the Faculty of Law of the University of Zagreb.

Website: www.partnersalbania.org

Partners Albania for Change and Development (PA) is a leading civil society organisation based in Tirana, recognised for its work in strengthening democratic governance, supporting civic actors and fostering youth engagement across the Western Balkans. For the past 20 years, it has contributed to Albania’s Europeanisation process by promoting civic literacy, encouraging citizen-driven reforms and building bridges between civil society and institutions. In RISE Balkans, it brings its experience in working with young people and ensures that the perspectives of underrepresented communities are fully integrated into the project.

Role in RISE Balkans: Leads Work Package 15 (Bringing Youth Voices to Brussels – EU-level Exchange) and implements the national activities in Albania.

Website: www.ccc.org.mk

The Center for Civil Communications (CCC) is a leading non-governmental organisation in North Macedonia, based in Skopje, specialising in transparency, anti-corruption advocacy and citizen participation. With almost 20 years of experience, it has helped shape key national reforms, including public procurement legislation and anti-corruption strategies. CCC combines evidence-based research, public advocacy and capacity building for local governments, so that transparency practices reach both the national and the municipal level. In RISE Balkans, it shares its expertise in fostering civic oversight and public integrity.

Role in RISE Balkans: Leads Work Package 3 (Youth Civic Drivers Training of Trainers) and implements the national activities in North Macedonia.