News and updates from BCSDN and the region
We are happy to share that our annual research on the state of civil society in the Western Balkans and Türkiye is well underway and we invite you to follow us in this endeavor. BCSDN for 11 years in a row, has been conducting research to better understand the environment for CSOs in the region,
Read more →EESC CSOs group Society Europe, and CSOs across the EU have issued an open letter urging the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union to implement an open, transparent, and regular dialogue with CSOs in all policy areas, and as in line with Article 11 of
Read more →In its latest report, the CIVICUS Monitor identifies seven key trends in global civic space from 2019 to 2023. These include a rise in closed countries, with over 405 million more people living in such environments. Repression in Africa and MENA remains constant, while Europe sees a decline in civic space. The use of detentions
Read more →On behalf of the European Commission, and DG NEAR, the EU TACSO 3 project invites CSOs from Western Balkans and Türkiye to take part in the second assessment against the DG NEAR Guidelines for EU Support to Civil Society in the Western Balkans and Türkiye 2021-2027. This assessment aims to assess the situation against the
Read more →Civil society coalition is urging for a comprehensive AI treaty that applies to both public and private sectors, without exemptions for national security. Amid discussions on the Council of Europe’s Convention on AI, negotiators are considering options that may restrict the treaty’s scope to public authorities and allow exemptions for private companies. This approach, akin
Read more →The latest BCSDN Digest provides a concise overview of the complex interplay between Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) regulations and their impact on CSOs in the Western Balkans and Türkiye. Based on the BCSDN policy paper on AML/CFT Regulations and Implications on CSOs in the Western Balkans and Türkiye, the Digest
Read more →The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on Serbia, with 461 votes in favor and 52 against, calling for an investigation into the December elections. Expressing serious concern, the EP notes evidence of activities before and during the elections that may have influenced results, particularly in Belgrade. The resolution urges the European Commission to send
Read more →BiH associations and foundations are urged to sign the Civil Society Declaration pushing for the start of EU membership negotiations for the country. Amid uncertain EU conditions, CSOs call for authorities to fulfill requirements. The aim is to optimize the opportunity, prioritizing high-quality reforms for accelerated EU integration. Signatories can add their organizations by February
Read more →EPI’s quarterly brief on North Macedonia (October–December 2023) examines the country EU accession progress, focusing on democratic institutions, public administration reform, and Chapter 23 Judiciary and Fundamental Rights. It provides a concise overview of the period, outlining both positive strides and existing challenges. Notably, it emphasizes developments shaping country’s alignment with EU standards. A continuing
Read more →In an open letter, CSOs and universities voice concerns regarding the European Commission’s Defence of Democracy Package. The signatories highlight potential implications on democratic values. They are particularly concerned with the Proposal for a directive establishing harmonised requirements in the internal market on transparency of interest representation carried out on behalf of third countries. The
Read more →The manual designed to guide journalists and activists in Bosnia and Herzegovina amid recent legislation changes recriminalizing defamation and revealing personal details. It covers legal aspects and consequences, offering instructions for prevention, rights protection, and actions during investigations. The document focuses on two main segments: prevention and handling in case of investigation. Concrete guidance is
Read more →CSOs in North Macedonia persist facing challenges of assessing their organizational capacities and areas of improvement. To enhance competence, efficiency, and accountability, the Civil Society Resource Center has developed a self-assessment tool for CSOs. The tool covers ten categories, including strategic management, project work, governance, human resources, organizational values, administration, media, cooperation, advocacy, and service
Read more →