Strengthening the Civil Society for a better Europe
Transnational cooperation and societal exchange is the key to a strong and vivid civil society in Europe. The Center for Cooperation and Exchange connects and educates civic actors to strengthen the collaboration and understanding between the countries of Southeastern Europe and Germany.
Our Fields of Work
Project Development
Capacity Development
Events and Workshops
Our Fields of Work
Project Development
Capacity Development
Events and Workshops
Our Motivation
As one of the most culturally rich regions in Europe, the Balkan peninsula is not only an important part for the well-being of our continent. The gateway to the Middle East and its Central European north, with its numerous religious and ethnic populations, is also a diverse and exciting region. Nevertheless, despite the close social ties, the West’s interest has waned considerably: Since the enlargement of the European Union in 2004, 2007 and 2013, the process of the EU-Integration of the countries of Southeastern Europe has stalled. At the same time, with the internal crisis of the European Union and the Brexit, the general attention to its political and social developments beyond the Berlin Process has declined. The lack of a concrete EU agenda, the rising autocratism, and missing opportunities create even more uncertainty for the future. Especially young people take comfort in migrating to other European countries, causing a brain drain that hadn’t been seen in the western Balkans since the 1990’s. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, on the other hand, is catalysing key international processes that eventually led both to a revival of negotiations between the EU and Albania and North Macedonia and at the same time to new tensions in the Balkans.
The Mission
We define our mission to help civil society actors building capacities in order to face the common challenges in our modern society and to foster mutual support in pressing social issues of transition to democracy. Thereby, we will focus our work on issues affecting marginalized groups that experience inequality in education and labor market, underrepresentation in government and administration, as well as other areas of relevance.
The Vision
Our broader goal is to reconnect the societies of Southeastern Europe and Germany, strenghten democratic and civic life and promote a just and livable europe for all.
Our Motivation
As one of the most culturally rich regions in Europe, the Balkan peninsula is not only an important part for the well-being of our continent. The gateway to the Middle East and its Central European north, with its numerous religious and ethnic populations, is also a diverse and exciting region. Nevertheless, despite the close social ties, the West’s interest has waned considerably: Since the enlargement of the European Union in 2004, 2007 and 2013, the process of the EU-Integration of the countries of Southeastern Europe has stalled. At the same time, with the internal crisis of the European Union and the Brexit, the general attention to its political and social developments beyond the Berlin Process has declined. The lack of a concrete EU agenda, the rising autocratism, and missing opportunities create even more uncertainty for the future. Especially young people take comfort in migrating to other European countries, causing a brain drain that hadn’t been seen in the western Balkans since the 1990’s. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, on the other hand, is catalysing key international processes that eventually led both to a revival of negotiations between the EU and Albania and North Macedonia and at the same time to new tensions in the Balkans.
We define our mission to help civil society actors building capacities in order to face the common challenges in our modern society and to foster mutual support in pressing social issues of transition to democracy. Thereby, we will focus our work on issues affecting marginalized groups that experience inequality in education and labor market, underrepresentation in public institutions, as well as other areas of relevance.
Our broader goal is to reconnect the societies of Southeastern Europe and Germany, strenghten democratic and civic life and promote a just and livable europe for all.
Guiding Principles
In our work, we are guided by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their claim to combat deprivation of all kinds. Therefore, through the strong involvement of local partners and our international members, we place great emphasis on doing no harm and, most importantly, engaging at-risk groups and beneficiaries in strategizing for their advantage. As a non-partisan organization, the Center operates independently of political, religious or ideological actors and worldviews.
Open Projects
Read more about our current project
Authum Workhop in Budapest! Apply until Sept 22.
Project-Training on Minority Empowerment in Hungary
The overall aim of the project is to provide participants from diverse backgrounds with essential project planning, management and implementation skills. Participants from Hungary and Germany work together with Roma activists, mentors from Szent Gellért Társaság and the Center to develop and implement small-scale projects to creatively improve the situation and the visibility of disadvantaged groups in Hungary. The participants collaborate in small project teams and learn in a structured way to improve particular local conditions. The project comprises various topics and phases that build on each other and offer participants a structured and comprehensive introduction to project work as well as practical examples from civil society in Budapest.
The Summer School/Workshop
From 28 August to 1 September the first Project Training on Minority Empowerment was held at Gólya Szövetkezet in Budapest. A total of 12 participants from three continents spent five days working on stakeholder analysis, impact orientation and project finances. The two outstanding trainers Nikoletta and Bettina helped the participants to understand the situation of the Roma community in Hungary and to develop a feeling for the needs of disadvantaged people. In addition, a visit to the Bura Galéria with an exhibition by a Roma artist and a varied evening program took the participants to the exciting and fascinating city of Budapest.
The Autum School/Workshop
The Autumn School took place from October 16 to 20 in Budapest, continuing the mission of equipping participants with the skills to design and implement impactful, result-oriented projects. Like the Summer School, the program focused on project management, assertive communication, and raising awareness about the challenges faced by the Roma community in Hungary. This time, 10 participants took part, engaging in interactive workshops, group exercises, and practical training to refine their project planning abilities. A key element of this edition was the development of impactful small-scale projects, with participants applying their newly acquired knowledge to design concrete initiatives addressing social challenges. The rich evening program provided further opportunities for networking, intercultural exchange, and informal learning, reinforcing the participants’ understanding of minority empowerment and sustainable project execution.
The Autum School/Workshop
The Autumn School took place from October 16 to 20 in Budapest, continuing the mission of equipping participants with the skills to design and implement impactful, result-oriented projects. Like the Summer School, the program focused on project management, assertive communication, and raising awareness about the challenges faced by the Roma community in Hungary. This time, 10 participants took part, engaging in interactive workshops, group exercises, and practical training to refine their project planning abilities. A key element of this edition was the development of impactful small-scale projects, with participants applying their newly acquired knowledge to design concrete initiatives addressing social challenges. The rich evening program provided further opportunities for networking, intercultural exchange, and informal learning, reinforcing the participants’ understanding of minority empowerment and sustainable project execution.
The Autum School/Workshop
The Autumn School took place from October 16 to 20 in Budapest, continuing the mission of equipping participants with the skills to design and implement impactful, result-oriented projects. Like the Summer School, the program focused on project management, assertive communication, and raising awareness about the challenges faced by the Roma community in Hungary. This time, 10 participants took part, engaging in interactive workshops, group exercises, and practical training to refine their project planning abilities. A key element of this edition was the development of impactful small-scale projects, with participants applying their newly acquired knowledge to design concrete initiatives addressing social challenges. The rich evening program provided further opportunities for networking, intercultural exchange, and informal learning, reinforcing the participants’ understanding of minority empowerment and sustainable project execution.
The Authum School/Workshop
The second Project Training on Minority Empowerment is going to be held from October 16 to 20. Join our team to make a difference!
Apply until 22. Sept and join the Project!
Meet the Team
As a center that aims to promote collaboration and exchange, we have dedicated members from various disciplines such as political science, graphic design, computer science, economics and public administration. We speak the languages of the countries we focus on and bring extensive cultural competencies through our multinational origins and experiences. As committed Europeans, we still do have strong cultural ties with the Balkans, Hungary and Germany. We know both the cultural characteristics and the challenges of these countries and aim to use our knowledge and experience to their advantage.
Fabian Melchers
Founder and Executive-Board
My name is Fabian and I am from the westfalian region Münsterland. Since 2018, I am working as a Project Coordinator at Engagement Global in a federal funding program in Bonn as well as Project Manager and Trainer in Civil Society. For many years, my interest has brought me to Central and Southeastern Europe, where I locate my second home.
Donald Pasha
Co-Founder and Financial Director
My name is Donald and I am from Tirana in Albania. I hold a master´s degree in political sciences from University of Tirana and a second master in intercultural communication from Andrássy University in Budapest. After working in the albanian Ministry of Interior, I am currently working as a consultant at atene KOM GmbH in Berlin. My work mainly includes projects related to the digitalization and modernization of the public sector in Albania and the other countries in Southeastern Europe.
Tóth Tamara
Co-Founder and Executive-Board
My name is Tamara and I am from Serbia, but currently living in Budapest. I have three years of experience in project management at an educational software company, where I trained teachers and developed digital learning materials. I have organized cultural events in Serbia and during my international scholarships in Romania, and Ireland. I volunteered as a researcher and program coordinator for NGOs. I am trained in social impact assessment through Impact Academy. Currently, I am pursuing a PhD at ELTE.
Diána Stumpf
Co-Founder and Art Director
My name is Diana and I am from the Tokaj-Area in Hungary. Currently, I work as a professional graphic designer for marketing and graphic studios. After finishing my master’s in graphic design in Pécs, I worked several years as a freelancer for various agencies. It is important to me that my work is also linked to issues that are important to me, such as human rights, environmental awareness and mental hygiene. That when be a tools other with this suppert others to. Let us use our ressources for the benefit of the disadvantaged.
Mirko Gogić
Co Founder and Technical-Director
My Name is Mirko and I am from Belgrade. I am currently working as an IT-Engineer and Bonn, where I also live. I am here to help people expand their opportunities for self-development and to support people that are in need.
Meet the Team
As a center that aims to promote collaboration and exchange, we have dedicated members from various disciplines such as political science, graphic design, computer science, economics and public administration. We speak the languages of the countries we focus on and bring extensive cultural competencies through our multinational origins and experiences. As committed Europeans, we still do have strong cultural ties with the Balkans, Hungary and Germany. We know both the cultural characteristics and the challenges of these countries and aim to use our knowledge and experience to their advantage.
Fabian Melchers
Founder and Executive-Board
My name is Fabian and I am from the westfalian region Münsterland. Since 2018, I am working as a Project Coordinator at Engagement Global in a federal funding program in Bonn as well as Project Manager and Trainer in Civil Society. For many years, my interest has brought me to Central and Southeastern Europe, where I locate my second home.
Donald Pasha
Co-Founder and Financial Director
My name is Donald and I am from Tirana in Albania. I hold a master´s degree in political sciences from University of Tirana and a second master in intercultural communication from Andrássy University in Budapest. After working in the albanian Ministry of Interior, I am currently working as a consultant at atene KOM GmbH in Berlin. My work mainly includes projects related to the digitalization and modernization of the public sector in Albania and the other countries in Southeastern Europe.
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Tóth Tamara
Second-Board and Project Manager
My name is Tamara and I am from Serbia, but currently living in Budapest. I have three years of experience in project management at an educational software company, where I trained teachers and developed digital learning materials. I have organized cultural events in Serbia and during my international scholarships in Romania, and Ireland. I volunteered as a researcher and program coordinator for NGOs. I am trained in social impact assessment through Impact Academy. Currently, I am pursuing a PhD at ELTE.
Diána Stumpf
Co-Founder and Art Director
My name is Diana and I am from the Tokaj-Area in Hungary. Currently, I work as a professional graphic designer for marketing and graphic studios. After finishing my master’s in graphic design in Pécs, I worked several years as a freelancer for various agencies. It is important to me that my work is also linked to issues that are important to me, such as human rights, environmental awareness and mental hygiene. That when be a tools other with this suppert others to. Let us use our ressources for the benefit of the disadvantaged.
Mirko Gogić
Co Founder and Technical-Director
My Name is Mirko and I am from Belgrade. I am currently working as an IT-Engineer and Bonn, where I also live. I am here to help people expand their opportunities for self-development and to support people that are in need.
What is you Contribution to a stronger Europe?
Get Engaged!
Join our Work and be a part of our Projects
Every idea matters and any support makes a difference! As a new Organisation we are looking for Partners and Associates. If you are interested in the Central and Southeast European region and want to gain project experience, do not hesitate to contact us.
Be part of our Projects and collaborate today!
Your contact person is Fabian Melchers. You can write us in Albanian, English, German, Hungarian or Serbian.
Join our Work and be a part of our Projects
Every idea matters and any support makes a difference! As a new Organisation we are looking for Partners and Associates. If you are interested in the Central and Southeast European region and want to gain project experience, do not hesitate to contact us.
Be part of our Projects and collaborate today!
Support our work with your donation
Social Progress doesn't come for free. We finance our project work mainly through grants from relevant funding agencies and from the public sector. In addition, there are many other cost items that arise in the context of the organization and its daily business. To cover these expenses, we need your support. All funds are used in our non-profit organization exclusively for the purpose of the association. The tax office Bonn-Innenstadt checks the proper expenditure on a regular base and issues the declaration of non-profit status.
Contributions can be made both by bank-transfer and PayPal-transfer:
Bank Transfer:
Center for Cooperation and Exchange e.V
IBAN: DE28 3706 0193 0018 0840 07
BIC: GENODED1PAX
PayPal Transfer:
The Center for Cooperation and Exchange e.V.
paypal.me/thecenter4ce
Thank you very much!