Welcome.

EUCRTA bridges European institutions and the Western Balkans to advance democracy, uphold transparency and support active civic participation. We connect local voices with EU decision-makers so that every concern is heard and every vote truly counts. From on-the-ground advocacy and research to forging strategic partnerships, we’re building a more transparent and resilient Europe. Ready to join the cause? Let’s make democracy happen—together.

Image: EU budget - AI generated picture

Summary The European Commission’s proposed 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) signals a decisive shift in EU policy, making enlargement a central pillar of its geopolitical strategy, underpinned by record funding, stricter conditionality and a streamlined external action framework. Enlargement as a core strategy: the European Commission now treats enlargement as a top geopolitical priority, viewing […]

European Parliament; Photo source - European Parliament Multimedia Centre

Summary The European Parliament’s recent resolutions on the European Commission’s 2023 and 2024 reports on Western Balkan countries reflect unusually strong language and the increasing concerns about Serbia’s active role in regional instability.  For the first time in such strong words, the European Parliament  directly criticises Serbia for acting as a destabilising force in the […]

Our story

The European Center for Research, Transparency, and Accountability (EUCRTA) is an independent, non-partisan civil society organization based in Brussels, founded by the leaders of CRTA, a prominent democracy watchdog from Belgrade, Serbia. Drawing on decades of frontline experience in institution-building, civil society development and democratic transformation in challenging political enviorenments, we bring a unique perspective to the heart of Europe. 

At a time when democratic ideals face mounting pressures across the continent, EUCRTA’s firsthand knowledge from the Western Balkans offers critical insights for safeguarding democratic institutions, electoral integrity and civic space. We understand what it means to defend democracy in challenging settings and we use that experience to support and empower those working for democratic change across Europe.

Through strategic support, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building programs, EUCRTA connects local activists and organizations with European institutions, ensuring their voices shape policy debates at the highest level. At the same time, we provide EU decision-makers with critical insights and regional expertise, helping them better understand the realities on the ground and craft more effective policies. By serving as a bridge between grassroots defenders and EU institutions, we contribute to a stronger, more transparent, and accountable Europe—where every vote counts and every voice is heard.

Looking ahead

Our vision is a Europe where every voice matters, every reform endures and where democracy is more than an aspiration – it is the everyday norm.

We envision a Western Balkans and Europe where democracy, transparency, and the rule of law form the unshakable bedrock of a stable, inclusive and prosperous society. In this vision, citizens actively shape public decisions, institutions operate with full accountability and efficiency, and civil society – alongside a free and vibrant media – plays a central role in protecting and advancing democratic values.

We see the Western Balkans as an integral part of Europe, fully engaged in ongoing dialogue with EU institutions, driving tangible reforms and nurturing mutual understanding. Democracy knows no borders—it flourishes through strong cooperation between citizens, policymakers and civil society across Europe.

How we make change

At EUCRTA, we focus on bridging the gap between European institutions and the Western Balkans to strengthen democracy, accountability and civic engagement across the region. Building on CRTA’s two decades of experience in fostering transparency and citizen participation in Serbia, we promote inclusive dialogue, evidence-based research and strategic partnerships that shape EU-level discussions, ensuring local perspectives inform policy decisions.

We concentrate on the core pillars of democracy – fair elections, institutional accountability, civic engagement, democratic education, and media freedom, bringing these critical issues to the forefront of EU and Western Balkans policy discussions. By building societal resilience against undemocratic practices and supporting transparent, open institutions, we help establish conditions for free and fair elections, independent media and responsible governance.

Through rigorous research, capacity-building and targeted advocacy, EUCRTA aims to create a Europe where Western Balkan voices are fully integrated, policy-making is inclusive and democratic values thrive in everyday life.

Join the cause

Want to help spark real change? Jump in and be part of our mission to strengthen democracy, bolster human rights, and build genuine resilience across the region. Whatever your talent—speaking out, digging into research, or organizing community events—there’s a spot for you on our team.

  • Volunteer
    Dive into our research, lend a hand monitoring democratic processes, or assist with advocacy campaigns—your skills can make all the difference.
  • Be an Advocate
    Raise your voice for stronger democratic institutions. Get in touch with decision-makers, share insights, and spread the word.
  • Share Our Findings
    Help amplify our evidence-based insights by passing along our reports, policy briefs, and research—because knowledge is power.
  • Generate Ideas
    Got a fresh perspective or a new approach to tackling democratic challenges? We’re all ears—pitch your proposals and help us push boundaries.
  • Take Action
    Show up! Join our events, participate in direct democracy initiatives, and stay engaged in the conversation.
  • Donate
    Help keep our independent research and advocacy initiatives alive and kicking. Every contribution fuels the fight for democracy.
  • Engage Your Community
    Talk about democratic challenges, host local discussions, and inspire open dialogue on governance. Change starts at home.
Unsolicited applications welcome

If EUCRTA’s mission resonates with you, we still want to hear from you. Send your CV and a brief motivation letter (max. one page) to [email protected] with “Expression of Interest” in the subject line. We review these applications on a rolling basis and will reach out when a suitable role opens up—thank you for your initiative and support for […]

No open positions at the moment

Democracy doesn’t defend itself—people do. Right now our Brussels  team is complete, so we don’t have any open vacancies. EUCRTA’s work is dynamic, however, and new roles can emerge quickly. Keep an eye on this page and our social‑media channels for future calls—we’d love to meet you when the right opportunity appears.

Have questions or want to learn more about our work? Reach out to the European Center for Research, Transparency, and Accountability – EU-CRTA. We’re here to collaborate, inform, and engage with individuals and organizations committed to defending democracy in Europe.

Useful Links

Quick Contacts

2-4 Rond-point Robert Schuman, 1040 Bruxelles, Belgium

[email protected]

(+02) 403-36-36

Back To Top