What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

CfP: ERC Grants: Support to the Promotion of Civil Society Regional Actions in the Western Balkans (Phase II) (Deadline: 17 June)

Target group: CSOs, business associations, media associations, educational and cultural associations, and sport associations in the Western Balkans. Aim: To strengthen regional partnerships, enhance CSO involvement, and promote democracy and active citizenship in the Western Balkans. Amount: 30 000 EUR per project (overall indicative amount of 360 000 EUR) Duration: 3 – 7 months Deadline:

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CfP: Cross-Border Programme North Macedonia – Albania: IPA III Allocations 2022 (Deadline: 26 June)

Target group: Applicants interested in participating in the Cross-Border Programme North Macedonia – Republic of Albania under the Instrument of Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III) Allocations for 2022. Aim: To facilitate cross-border cooperation between North Macedonia and Albania, promoting good neighborly relations, fostering EU integration, and supporting socio-economic development through joint initiatives. Amount: The overall indicative

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CfP: Public Advocacy Support Program MOVEMENT POLET (Deadline: 30 June)

Target group: Civil society organizations, citizens’ associations, networks of organizations, trade unions, foundations, and endowments registered before June 1, 2022, in Serbia. Aim: To provide financial and expert support to civil society organizations advocating for public policy reforms that contribute to socio-economic development and the EU accession process. Amount: Up to 15 000 EUR per

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CfP: Digital Freedom Fund (Deadline: 15 July)

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;

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CfP: Grant Scheme for Media Professionals in the WB: Validate Your Business Idea – II Cycle (Deadline: 1 August)

Target group: Individuals, media outlets, associations, CSOs, and content creators from the Western Balkans, especially those from 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

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CfA: The BeeEffect Programme (Deadline: 23 June)

Target group: Young professionals from the wider Western Balkans region. Countries: Western Balkans region (WB6) plus Croatia, Romania, Greece, and Turkey. Short Description: The beeEffect Programme is a fully funded opportunity for young professionals passionate about making a difference in their communities. Participants will join a diverse group from the Western Balkans and neighboring countries

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CfA: BIRN’s Regional Camp on Legally Safe Reporting and Crisis Reporting (Deadline: 24 June)

Target group: Journalists, final-year journalism students, recent graduates, and young professional journalists from Western Balkans. Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia. Short Description: The Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) is inviting applications for a three-day Regional Camp on Legally Safe Reporting and Crisis Reporting. This training aims to equip journalists with

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CfA: Cohesion Policy Training for Journalism Students and Young Journalists in Europe (Deadline: 8 July)

Target group: Aspiring Journalists in Europe Countries: EU Member States, Neighbouring, and Accession Countries. Short Description: The Commission launches the application period for the 8th edition of Youth4Regions, targeting aspiring journalists. Successful applicants will undergo a week-long training in Brussels, including sessions, mentorship, press room work, and visits to EU institutions. Applications are open in

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CfA: Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) (Deadline: 12 July)

Target group: Human rights activists worldwide, working at the grassroots level with NGOs. Countries: Applicants from all regions of the world, except high-income countries unless they represent marginalized communities. Short Description: The HRAP is designed to strengthen the skills, knowledge, and networks of human rights activists. It focuses on various issues including sexual and gender-based

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CfA: Third Western Balkans Public Administration Awards (Deadline: 15 July)

Target group: Public sector institutions in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Kosovo. Countries: Western Balkans Short Description: The Public Administration Awards in the Western Balkans, organized by ReSPA and SIGMA, seeks to recognize initiatives improving public service delivery and governance. These awards highlight projects fostering good governance, citizen engagement, and innovation

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United Against SLAPPs: Strategies for Defending Freedom of Expression in the Western Balkans

On May 28-29, BCSDN organized the SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) Multistakeholder Workshop in Tirana, bringing together CSO representatives, activists, journalists, media workers, and legal experts from the Western Balkans and EU. The event focused on addressing SLAPP threats to freedom of expression and public participation, sharing personal experiences, and discussing regional research, legal

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BCSDN at EESC High-Level Civil Society Conference: Continuing the Success Story of EU Enlargement

The Western Balkans Civil Society High-Level Conference, held on 24 May in Ljubljana, brought together EESC members, Slovenian officials, and civil society representatives from the Western Balkans, including BCSDN representatives. The event facilitated exchanges on necessary reforms in the Western Balkans and the EU to uphold the enlargement policy as a key EU success. Discussions

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