News and updates from BCSDN and the region
2024 Update, available here 2023 Report, available in English and local language 2022 Update, available in English 2021 Report, available in English 2020 Report, available in English 2019 Report, available in English 2016 Report, available in English 2015 Report, available in English 2014 Report, available in English 2013 Report, available in English
Read more →2024 Update, available here 2023 Report, available only in English 2022 Report, available only in English 2021 Report, available only in English 2020 Report, available only in English 2019 Report, available in English, and native language 2017/2018 Report, available in native language 2016 Report, available only in English 2015 Report, available only in English 2014 Report, available
Read more →2024 Report, available in English 2022/23 Report, available in English and in local language 2020/21 Report, available in English and in local language 2019 Report, available in English and in local language 2018 Report, available in English and in local language 2017 Report, available only in English 2016 Report, available only in English 2015 Report, available
Read more →The assessment conducted by the National Resource Center for Civil Society in Albania aims to identify the current needs of organizations for capacity building in the field of organizational management, financial sustainability, participation in policy-making, and the European integration process. The identified needs will serve as a basis for the development of future capacity-building programs
Read more →The Freedom House Nations in Transit 2023 report reveals that democratic institutions in the Western Balkans continued to stagnate in 2022. The slight improvements in Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia were balanced by declines in Montenegro and BiH, while Serbia’s score remained unchanged. The EU has granted BiH candidate status while Kosovo has submitted their
Read more →EC has released its fourth annual Rule of Law Report, assessing the rule of law situation in each EU Member State. The report focuses on national justice systems, anti-corruption frameworks, media pluralism, and institutional checks and balances. While some Member States still face Rule of Law concerns, the report has prompted positive changes and reforms.
Read more →Liberties published a new handbook, “Relying on the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights for Human Rights Litigation” to support human rights defenders in their efforts to protect freedoms by providing practical advice on using the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and EU law in litigation. The handbook complements Liberties Charter litigation training program, part of
Read more →In the face of nationalistic tendencies that threaten civic space in Serbia, Sofija Todorovic from Youth Initiative for Human Rights in an op-ed, underscores the importance of truth, peace, anti-fascism, solidarity, and democracy as fundamental steps to a future free from conflicts and wars. Through YIHR’s proactive response, these challenges are being addressed head-on, fostering
Read more →OECD released the “Governance at a Glance Report 2023” which highlights the impact of recent crises on global economic resilience. Despite governments’ prompt response to challenges, efforts to reinforce trust and democratic resilience must be intensified due to environmental, demographic, fiscal, and technological obstacles. Key report’s findings include the undermining of trust in public institutions,
Read more →The European Parliament acted in favor of protecting journalists, media organizations, activists, academics, artists, and researchers from unjustified and harmful legal actions. The Legal Affairs Committee voted in favor of new regulations to safeguard against strategic lawsuits intended to silence individuals involved in the public interest sphere. To enhance protection against SLAPPs, MEPs expanded the
Read more →Istanbul’s Prosecutors’ Office has initiated an investigation into social media posts related to the protests in France, which started in June after a 17-year-old was shot dead by police. The investigation focuses on accounts suggesting that similar events may occur with refugees in Turkey. Istanbul’s Prosecutors’ Office announced that it has sent an order to
Read more →The Balkans experiences significant increase in internet penetration and the integration of Biometrics and Digital Identity BDI technologies in various sectors. Between 2020-23, Albania, BiH, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Serbia reported increase in cyberattacks, specifically phishing and ransomware incidents. BIRN has mapped 40 cases and has collated data on cyberattacks targeting the Balkan region’s BDI
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