News and updates from BCSDN and the region
As the 20th anniversary of the Union’s pivotal expansion is approaching, the Grassroots View podcast delivered by EESC, a series delving into the intricate dynamics of EU enlargement, offered insights into the Western Balkans, navigating the European Parliament’s role, tackling the concept of ‘enlargement fatigue,’ and considering alternative pathways to EU membership. BCSDN Executive Director,
Read more →In the annual “Civilka” conference organized by BCSDN member Center for the Promotion of Civil Society (CPCD) in BiH, over 70 representatives from diverse sectors explored the challenges facing CSOs. The focus was on the unregulated state of the civil society sector, specifically the lack of clear categorization and transparency in financing from the public
Read more →The Government of North Macedonia adopted the Transparency Strategy for 2023-2026, proposed by the Cabinet of the Deputy Prime Minister responsible for good governance policies. The priority areas outlined in the strategy, are: enhancing active transparency, improving access to public information, fiscal transparency of the government and other executive authorities, enhancing digital capabilities for data
Read more →BIRN explores the potential repercussions of a draft bill in Bosnia’s Republika Srpska entity aimed at regulating CSOs receiving foreign funding. Critics argue that the bill, reminiscent of similar legislation in Russia, raises concerns about authoritarianism and could significantly impact CSOs working to safeguard democracy, media freedom, and human rights in Republika Srpska. The draft,
Read more →The regional report on judicial response to femicide in the Western Balkans, published by the AIRE Center is a condensed version of national research conducted in the Western Balkans from 2018 to 2021. Initiated by Women’s rights organizations, the research focused on understanding femicide characteristics, patterns, and causes. The main aim of the report is
Read more →Liberties provides a tailored approach for CSOs to protect their digital information. Emphasizing the importance of securing personal and sensitive data, the guide addresses unique threats faced by CSOs engaged in digital activism. It highlights the need for a comprehensive approach covering people, processes, and technology, offering insights into understanding cyber risks, the impact of
Read more →Over 700 participants from 80+ countries joined the #ShiftThePower Global Summit, in Bogota, Colombia, organized by the Global Fund for Community Foundation, advocating for a paradigm shift in aid localization and empowering communities. The event highlighted a growing embrace of community philanthropy, proximate funds, citizen accountability, and participatory decision-making, fostering networks in the Global South.
Read more →The sign-on letter, directed to bilateral and multilateral funders and foundations, conveys the strong support of local and community-based organizations from the Majority World (Global South) for the ongoing shift of power and resources towards more locally led approaches. It provides five suggestions to enhance the inclusion of these organizations in international events, emphasizing equal
Read more →Target group: CSOs in the Western Balkans; Local/Regional Entities; Business Associations; Educational Institutions; Media Associations; and Culture/Sports Institutions Aim: To actively involve CSOs in the Western Balkans region, encouraging their participation in regional projects focused on enhancing good neighborly relations, fostering people-to-people connections, and promoting reconciliation. Amount: up to 15,000 EUR Duration: 3 – 10
Read more →Target group: CSOs in Serbia, BiH, Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Montenegro. Aim: To strengthen the engagement of grassroots and other local CSOs in local-level PAR and citizen engagement in PAR. Amount: up to 14,000 EUR Duration: up to 15 months Deadline: 28 December Link to more information (WEBER)
Read more →Target group: CSOs working on different thematic areas relevance to this Call for Proposals and be established in an IPA III Beneficiary country Aim: Empower CSOs in the Western Balkans, focusing on thematic areas covered by the Economic and Investment Plan and enhance the professional capacity of journalists and media institutions, promoting freedom of expression
Read more →Target group: CSOs with expertise and experience in combating violence against women and domestic violence in Serbia Aim: To fund awareness and advocacy campaigns by CSOs in Serbia, focusing on promoting the values and provisions of the Istanbul Convention—an initiative by the Council of Europe to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence.
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