News and updates from BCSDN and the region
A coalition of ten press and media freedom organizations — coordinated by the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) has written to EU Ministers for European Affairs calling for the suspension of EU funds to Serbia in response to an accelerating spiral of violence against journalists. The letter documents a 367% increase in physical attacks on
Read more →A recently published analysis by BCSDN member CNVOS offers a detailed, fact-based rebuttal to government proposals to abolish the national Fund for the Development of NGOs, following a minister’s statement that 1% income-tax donations could replace it. The analysis demonstrates that the fund — which has distributed EUR 69 million to 558 organizations and leveraged
Read more →CSOs and human rights advocates have raised concerns over proposed provisions reportedly included in Türkiye’s upcoming 12th Judicial Package. According to reporting by Kaos GL, a leading Turkish LGBTI+ rights organisation and media platform, the draft would introduce new restrictions affecting LGBTI+ individuals, including changes to gender affirmation procedures and provisions that rights groups argue
Read more →Negotiations on the EU’s 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) have intensified following a proposal by the Cyprus Presidency to reduce the European Commission’s nearly EUR 2 trillion budget proposal by 2%. While southern and eastern Member States have largely welcomed the proposal, particularly the protection of agricultural and regional funding, fiscally conservative countries led by
Read more →A recent analysis highlights the growing importance of participatory and ethical storytelling in development and humanitarian work. The article argues that traditional approaches often portray communities through narrow, deficit-based narratives, while excluding them from shaping how their experiences are represented. Instead, it advocates for storytelling that is developed with communities rather than about them, recognising
Read more →Target Group: Small media outlets and CSOs owning media outlets in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, with annual turnover below EUR 100,000 and fewer than seven employees. Aim: To support the production of high-quality, independent, fact-based journalism, including investigative and in-depth reporting, multimedia content, and audience engagement initiatives that strengthen
Read more →Target Group: Non-governmental organisations working on gender-based violence, gender equality, and human rights in Montenegro, with particular encouragement for organisations supporting women from marginalised groups and local community-based organisations. Aim: To support initiatives focused on rehabilitation, reintegration, protection, and support services for survivors of violence, as part of the project “Institutionalisation of Quality Services for
Read more →Target Group: CSOs and civil society actors in North Macedonia eligible for project partnership funding from the French Embassy. Aim: To support civil society projects aligned with French-Macedonian cooperation priorities, including democracy, cultural dialogue, and community development. Countries: North Macedonia Amount: Should not exceed EUR 5,000 and may represent no more than 75% of the
Read more →Target Group: Legally registered CSOs and community-based organizations in North Macedonia. Aim: To support locally led, community-driven solutions to environmental challenges including biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental degradation, while improving livelihoods and fostering inclusive local governance. Countries: North Macedonia Amount: Up to USD 30,000 per project (with minimum 50% co-financing required) Duration: 12 to
Read more →Target Group: CSOs, human rights defenders, vulnerable and marginalised groups (including persons with disabilities, Roma, LGBTIQ+ persons, children at risk, former prisoners), local communities, public institutions, and other stakeholders working on human rights, democracy, and fundamental freedoms. Aim: To increase the protection and promotion of human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy, and the rule of law
Read more →Target Group: CSOs and networks registered in Montenegro for at least 24 months. Aim: To strengthen participatory democracy and Montenegro’s EU integration process through enhanced civil society engagement in public policymaking, local development, transparency, accountability, rule of law reforms, and cooperation with public institutions. Country: Montenegro Amount: EUR 700,000–750,000 per grant (total call budget: EUR
Read more →Short Description: Transparency School 2026 is an international training and networking programme focused on transparency, anti-corruption, accountability, and good governance. The programme brings together participants from around the world for expert-led discussions, practical learning, and peer exchange. Target Group: Senior students, graduates, and young professionals from the public, private, civil society, and academic sectors interested
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