The European Union continues to support the Western Balkans in strengthening partnership between local authorities and civil society through its Regional Programme for Local Democracy in the Western Balkans (ReLOaD2) project. ReLOaD2 will draw from the experience of the successful ReLOaD1 project and will be implemented in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia by expanding the successful model of transparent funding of civil society projects.  The project will also support stronger civic engagement and work on engagement of youth in local communities. Special focus will be placed on young people by creating an opportunity for them to have their first work experience, traineeships, and opportunities in their local communities.

The second phase of the ReLOaD project is funded by the European Union with €13.5 million and is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme. It will include local self-government units from the six beneficiaries of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance from the Western Balkans.

From 2021 to 2024, around 300 civil society organisations will implement projects in 50 local self-government units, with around 40,000 people benefiting from the activities.