News and updates from BCSDN and the region
On 26 June 2024, the House of Representatives of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted the Draft Law on Citizens’ Initiative and Protection of Citizens and Activists. This law provides protection against legal actions intended to suppress public engagement. Under the law, citizens and activists cannot be held accountable or subjected to physical or
Read more →The CASE Coalition has identified two lawsuits by Judge Dusanka Djordjevic against Serbian media outlet KRIK as SLAPPs, aiming to silence independent journalism. Judge Djordjevic and her husband, lawyer Aleksandar Djordjevic, filed both criminal and civil suits against KRIK, its editor-in-chief Stevan Dojcinovic, and journalist Bojana Pavlovic. They claim KRIK’s “Judge Who Judges” database, which
Read more →The report “Legal and Regulatory Landscape on Philanthropy in Albania – A Roadmap for Safeguarding NPOs’ Fundraising Activities from Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing” , delivered by BCSDN member Partners Albania, analyzes the legal and institutional framework governing fundraising methods for philanthropic activities in Albania, crucial for the operations and sustainability of NPOs. Through detailed
Read more →ARTICLE 19 critiques Croatia’s recent amendments to the Criminal Code, which introduces criminal penalties for disclosing ‘non-public’ information related to criminal cases. They advocate for the repeal of these amendments, citing concerns that they violate international standards on freedom of expression. The new provisions restrict journalists and others from accessing and disseminating information crucial to
Read more →A European Leaders’ Call to Defend Democracy urged the EU to prioritize democracy support in its upcoming institutional term following the European Parliament elections. This call emphasizes the importance of democratic values and proposes several policy commitments. In response, Brussels-based democracy organizations, including EED, EPD, ENOP, and International IDEA, have launched a policy brief detailing
Read more →Accountable Now delivers a Guidebook focusing on dynamic accountability for organizations, regardless of their starting point. The Guidebook outlines the concept of dynamic accountability, emphasizing a people-powered approach that prioritizes continuous dialogue and mutual, horizontal relationships with stakeholders. It provides practical actions for embedding dynamic accountability in all phases of an organization’s work, from planning
Read more →The Solidarity Action Network toolkit equips CSOs to navigate complex challenges like inequality, polarization, climate change, and health crises using foresight methods. It offers practical tools and strategies to anticipate future trends, strengthen resilience, and foster proactive responses. Developed by experts commissioned by the International Civil Society Centre, the toolkit draws on insights from the
Read more →The article by Charlotte Timson, Vice-Chair of BOND and former CEO of Transform Trade, states the importance of flexible funding and transformative approaches within development organizations. At the Bogotá #ShiftThePower Global Summit, Timson learned about the inadequacies of current funding systems and the critical role of community-led initiatives in achieving justice. Transform Trade began a
Read more →Target group: Digital rights advocates, pro bono lawyers, and litigators in Europe Aim: Support strategic litigation for digital rights advancement in Europe Amount: The average litigation track support grant is around 50 000 EUR, while pre-litigation research support is around 30 000 EUR Duration: Depending on case complexities Deadline: Eligibility check request – 15 July;
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
Read more →Target group: Journalists from Southeast, Eastern, and Central Europe Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Turkey, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan. Short Description: The BIRN Summer School of Investigative Reporting offers intensive training for 30 journalists from Southeast, Eastern, and Central Europe.
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