News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The analysis prepared by MCIC provides a brief overview of the origins of the idea to create the Council, the formation of the Council, and its functioning until the end of 2022. Particular focus and detail are given to its functioning in 2022 and the implementation of the Council’s Work Program for 2022. Despite the
Read more →The National Convention on the European Union condemns the malicious and organized tabloid campaign to which the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (BCSP), Igor Bandović and Bojan Elek, director and deputy director of this organization, are exposed. The systematic misuse of tabloids and other media to ruin the reputation of civil society organizations has become
Read more →Slapp lawsuits against public participation, as coined by University of Denver professors George Pring and Penelope Canan, translate d.o.o. are strategic lawsuits against public participation, essentially lawsuits by the most powerful and rich with the aim of silencing public interest issues. The first to be attacked by these lawsuits are journalists who, according to the
Read more →According to PACE’s Culture Committee, there is an urgent need for all Council of Europe member states to act together against SLAPPs – frivolous, vexatious, or malicious legal proceedings that aim to intimidate, harass, or silence their targets, thus threatening the public. European governments should enact powers to dismiss manifestly unfounded or abusive litigation, require
Read more →The newly released Civil Society State of the Union Report offers valuable insights and recommendations on meaningful actions. The report urges the EUI and member states to adopt a strategy that recognizes CSOs as allies in designing and implementing people-centered and human rights-based policies that foster inclusive public participation. To establish ethical frameworks that allow
Read more →Global Perspectives lies in a commitment to fostering innovative sector conversations and pushing the boundaries of dialogue. At this year’s conference, Global Perspectives embarks on a series of sessions addressing the challenges and opportunities in the international civil society sector. Discussions will delve into questions such as how sincerely committed the sector is to transform,
Read more →AidWatch reports provide recommendations for policymakers managing development challenges. They evaluate European ODA’s quantity and quality, advocating for its support to the most marginalized, and pressuring policymakers to uphold commitments for partners’ development goals. OECD data shows that EU Member States reported EUR 84 billion in ODA in 2022, a 19% real increase from 2021.
Read more →Target group: CSOs, activists, and informal groups interested in learning and sharing knowledge on accountability. Countries: Balkans Short description: BCSDN invites CSOs, networks, and activists across the Balkans, to join the Regional Accountability Community of Practice (RACoP) and support our Pledge for joint action and discussions in a safe space where we can commit to strengthening the
Read more →Target group: Scholars in any field or discipline in the humanities or interpretive social sciences pursuing postdoctoral or advanced research. Countries: East Central and Southeastern Europe, including Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czechia, Croatia, Hungary, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine. Short description: The Summer Institute for
Read more →Target group: Individuals holding citizenship of one of the Western Balkans Fund Contracting Parties. Aim: Enhance intercultural dialogue and knowledge exchange between experts and professionals from the WB region; Support professional mobilities (i.e., regional travel for professional purposes) of artists, cultural professionals, academia, journalists, activists; Create links between professionals to support regional cooperation. Amount: 4,000
Read more →Target group: Organisations and individual artists registered as legal entities in one of the 40 Creative Europe countries. Aim: The call provides grants to organisations and individual artists registered as legal entities in one of the 40 Creative Europe countries, that want to host international artists and cultural professionals for a residency project. Amount: N/A
Read more →Recent treats to civic space in Bosnia and Herzegovina require our urgent attention and actions of support to BiH civil society. The ongoing political crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina has led to increased pressures on civil society and media in the country, materializing in controversial laws and regulations that have the potential to undermine the
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