News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The European Commission has moved ahead with the “Directive on Transparency of Interest Representation on Behalf of Third Countries” despite fierce opposition from European civil society since its unveiling in 2023. Despite claims that it aims to increase transparency, critics argue it resembles foreign agent laws seen elsewhere, posing a threat to civil society and the media
Read more →On 11-12 June, in Istanbul, Turkey, TUSEV and STGM, with EU support, will organize the International Conference on Freedom of Association “Strong Civil Society”. Convening CSOs from Türkiye and abroad, the Conference aims to address challenges to civic space and strengthen NGOs as pillars of democracy. Discussions will highlight innovative strategies to safeguard human rights
Read more →The European Parliament finalized a legislation as they strive to secure final votes on several laws ahead of recess and the June EP elections. This includes the AI Act, the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), the anti-SLAPP Directive, as well as the contentious Corporate Sustainable Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). While most texts reached an agreement
Read more →The Civil Society Europe “Introduction to Civil Dialogue” manual addresses the lack of a legal framework for implementing the EU’s commitment to open dialogue with civil society, outlined in Article 11 of the Treaty on the European Union. Developed within the ‘EnTrust’ project, the manual aims to cultivate a culture of civil dialogue among EU
Read more →The ALL DIGITAL Weeks 2024 campaign, running from May 13-31, emphasizes digital skills for inclusion and employment across Europe. Organized by the ALL DIGITAL Network since 2010, it has aided 1.5 million individuals in gaining or improving digital skills. Supported by the European Commission, this year’s edition urges European citizens to enhance their digital proficiency,
Read more →The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joined four international media freedom organisations and its six affiliates in the SafeJournalist network, condemning the harassment of journalist Furkan Saliu in North Macedonia. Saliu was detained and allegedly assaulted by police while covering a football match. Despite his subsequent release, concerns remain over police conduct and the deletion
Read more →The BiH Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Elmedin Konaković faces criticism for misusing his political power, where during a press conference in Sarajevo on 25 April unjustly targeted journalists and media outlets, labeling them as part of a criminal network without evidence. This unwarranted attack reflects a concerning trend of the minister targeting journalists critical
Read more →International media freedom and human rights organizations condemn Türkiye’s arrest of nine Kurdish journalists from the Mezopotamya Agency in recent raids across Istanbul, Ankara, and Şanlıurfa. Three journalists were accused of “membership in a terrorist organization” and arrested without evidence. This ongoing harassment of Kurdish journalists is alarming, with similar incidents occurring before national elections
Read more →In the Western Balkans, media often serves political interests instead of truth, jeopardizing democracy and perpetuating disinformation. #CheckitFirst, launched by ARTICLE19, addresses this challenge by advocating for ethical journalism in BiH, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Serbia. By collaborating with journalists and media professionals, the campaign aims to enhance the accuracy of news reporting and promote media
Read more →Reporters Without Borders reports declining press freedom in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Serbia. Factors contributing to this regression include political pressure, direct attacks on journalists, and restrictions on media outlets. Kosovo and BiH experienced significant drops, with concerns over political influence on public broadcasters and harassment of journalists. Albania faced challenges such as
Read more →In the world of development aid, less than 10% of funds directly reach CSOs in the Global South, with the majority being retained in donor countries. This indirect funding often imposes strict procurement rules, hindering effective utilization by CSOs. Known as “Tied Aid,” this practice limits the autonomy of Southern CSOs and perpetuates power imbalances.
Read more →There is a need for trust and vulnerability in the relationship between funders and social movements. Power dynamics shape the allocation of financial resources and emphasizes the importance of open communication. Drawing from experiences in philanthropy, particularly from the ‘What Moves Movements’ inquiry commissioned by the Lankelly Chase Foundation, the article it highlights challenges and
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