What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

CfA: Training Programme for Young Civil Servants of the Western Balkans (Deadline: 1 March)

Target group: Young civil servants from the WB6, specifically those representing ministries involved in foreign and EU affairs or regional cooperation. Countries: Western Balkans Short Description: The program aims to enhance participants’ knowledge of EU affairs, focusing on the enlargement process, soft skills, and negotiation techniques. The program features interactive lectures, workshops, a simulation game,

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Catalyst Balkans/ BCSDN: Mapping of The Donors Active in The Western Balkans

Catalyst Balkans and BCSDN present the third edition of “Mapping Donors in the Western Balkans”. The report provides valuable insights into the current donor landscape, focusing on bilateral, multilateral, and private foundations, and corporate donors supporting civil society. Key questions addressed include the donors’ activity levels, areas of focus, and interactions with funded organizations. The research

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EESC Call to EU Candidate Countries Civil Society (DDL: 25 January)

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is inviting representatives from employers’ organizations, trade unions, and CSOs in EU candidate countries to apply for the role of “enlargement candidate members” (ECMs). This initiative allows for the active involvement of civil society from candidate countries in the EESC’s work as external participants. The ECMs will contribute

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How to Respond to a ‘Foreign Agent Law: Experiences from Georgia

In early 2023, the Georgian Parliament introduced two draft laws on foreign funding for civil society and media, which drew criticism for violating international standards. ECNL and ICNL conducted analyses of the two draft laws, presenting how they would violate international standards and harm the Georgian people Despite strong political support, mass protests pressure from CSOs,

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ECNL Global Nonprofits Guide: A Tool for Navigating the Nonprofit Laws Around the World

DLA Piper, ECNL, and PILnet present the Global Nonprofits Guide, a free tool facilitating the navigation of nonprofit laws worldwide. This resource assists in establishing nonprofits, covering diverse legal aspects, from registration and governance structures to compliance with employment and tax regulations. The guide includes information on reporting requirements, funding rules, and the process of

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Turkey: CPJ Welcomes Turkish Court’s Annulment of Law that Allowed Takedown of Online News

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) welcomes Turkey’s Constitutional Court’s decision to annul a legal clause allowing local courts to remove online news. The clause, introduced in 2020, enabled the removal of online content violating individuals’ “personal rights” or privacy. CPJ’s Turkey representative, Özgür Öğret, applauds the Court’s move, stating it is a step in

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BiH: Dodik’s New Threat Just as EU Hopes Grow

Following a series of prominent arrests, Bosnia and Herzegovina might secure the initiation of accession talks with the EU in 2024. However, there is concern that Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik could disrupt this progress by pursuing actions that threaten the stability of the state. The EU may decide on Bosnia’s accession talks in March,

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Serbia: Networking and Financial Support in the Fight Against SLAPPs

SLAPP lawsuits aim to stifle public advocacy by burdening defendants with legal proceedings. The European Union is considering an anti-SLAPP directive, providing individuals targeted by such lawsuits with early dismissal options, cost coverage, and potential penalties for the plaintiff. In Serbia, SLAPPs cases, often brought by government officials, have raised concerns about freedom of expression.

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North Macedonia: Survey on Assessing Government Action Plan for Civil Society Development (DDL: 25 January)

The Government of North Macedonia has released a survey to assess the effectiveness of the indicators outlined in the Government’s Action Plan for Cooperation and Development of Civil Society, with a specific focus on engaging registered CSOs. This survey is designed to support the Department of Cooperation with CSOs within the Government of North Macedonia

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Croatia: Strengthening Penalties for Domestic Violence, Introducing Femicide Into Law

Croatia’s Government has proposed amendments to the Criminal Code and the Act on Protection from Domestic Violence. The changes include new criminal offenses, with a focus on addressing the aggravated murder of women. These amendments represent an effort to combat violence, expanding victims’ rights and introducing stricter measures for restraining orders. The amendments also increase

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Turkey: Sputnik Turkey Journalists Extend Strike for Fair Pay and Rights

Sputnik Turkey journalists have been on strike for five months, fired by the news agency after demanding better pay and rights. Striking journalists, motivated by dissatisfaction with low pay, inflation, and media restrictions, have encountered challenges due to geopolitical tensions between Turkey and Russia and some colleagues’ betrayal. Without salaries, they receive support from the

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