News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Open Gov Week 2024 organized by the Open Government Partnership (OGP) was held from 27 to 31 May. It celebrated open government principles across Europe. This year’s European activities emphasized transparency, accountability, and citizen participation, featuring over 110 events across the continent. Key highlights from Europe included the launch of new digital platforms for public
Read more →The Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto is regaining public support in Serbia to restart its lithium mining project in Jadar Valley. The Serbian government plans to reinstate previously blocked mining permits that in 2021 were followed by massive protests against the company’s negative damage to the environment, followed by police brutality against activists. Despite new
Read more →Kosovo’s Parliament adopted a controversial law on the Independent Media Commission, IMC, ignoring international calls for stricter safeguards. The new law requires online media to obtain state licenses and register with the IMC, which will manage the Online Media Register. They will also now be subject to a regime of sanctions, including potential fines of
Read more →In Albania, media independence is severely compromised by political influence and financial instability. The government exercises near-total control over major media outlets, transforming them into tools of political propaganda. Efforts to establish media self-regulation, such as the Albanian Media Council, face significant governmental sabotage. Traditional media is largely owned by business elites who exchange favorable
Read more →Croatian women’s activists from the Association Autonomous Women’s House Zagreb are advocating for law reforms to strengthen abortion rights and limit public anti-abortion protests. They highlight the harmful impact of ultra-conservative ‘kneelers,’ who pray in public against abortion and divorce, promoting violence and discrimination against women. The proposed changes to the criminal code include penalizing
Read more →In its latest discussion paper, the European Policy Centre (EPC) proposes eight structural innovations to enhance EU governance. The paper suggests empowering the European Commission for more decisive action and improving inter-institutional relations. Emphasizing civil society and citizen participation, the paper recommends novel mechanisms, including “big tent” fora every five years for drafting the EU
Read more →The EU’s strategic agenda for 2024-2029 prioritizes further enlargement, a new emphasis compared to previous plans. Adopted by the European Council, the agenda introduces the concept of “gradual integration” for future EU members, aiming for reforms and progress in parallel. While experts welcome the focus on enlargement, some critics argue that the term “gradual integration”
Read more →The #ShiftThePower Global Summit in Bogotá highlighted the efforts of international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) to decolonize and shift power dynamics. The summit provided a platform for INGOs to reflect on their roles and challenges in transforming their practices. Discussions emphasized the need for INGOs to create spaces for feedback, engage in flexible funding, and strengthen
Read more →Western Balkan countries must submit their Reform Agendas to the European Commission by 24 August to access the new Reform and Growth Facility funds. Approved agendas will see the first funds released by the end of the year. The facility offers 2 billion EUR in grants and 4 billion EUR in loans from 2024-2027, allocated
Read more →Target group: Young people and youth-led organizations in EU partner countries, especially those from under-represented and socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Aim: To empower young people to contribute to sustainable development goals (SDGs) locally within their communities. Amount: Individual young people and informal groups from 500 up to 1,500 EUR – Registered youth organisations from 3,000 up
Read more →Target group: CSOs in the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia), particularly grassroots and youth organizations. Aim: Strengthening CSOs’ capacity to engage in anti-corruption efforts and policy advocacy, promoting transparency and good governance. Amount: 7 000 to 10 000 EUR per grant application Duration: N/A Deadline: 1 August Link
Read more →Target group: Individuals, media outlets, associations, CSOs, and content creators from the Western Balkans, especially underrepresented and marginalized groups, youth CSOs, women-led organizations, and niche media platforms. Aim: To support the validation and development of innovative media business ideas through financial grants, mentorship, and a structured acceleration program. Amount: N/A Duration: 5 months Deadline: 1
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