News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Two massive protests were held in Belgrade in the last two weeks, railing against the Serbian government officials, after the fierce events and massive murders, and the promotion of violence in the media. Recognized as the largest since the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) came to power one decade ago, the protests called for resignation of
Read more →Safe Journalists Network in Albania, along with the Center Science and Innovation for Development (SCiDEV), published the Report Indicators on the Level of Media Freedom and Journalists’ Safety in Albania 2022, reflecting on the media freedom and safety of journalists in the country. The annual report provides an in-depth analysis of the prevailing challenges, current
Read more →The European Commission has published its consultation on the Defense of Democracy package, aiming to bring legislative and non-legislative measures to strengthen resilience to covert foreign interference and encourage civic engagement in the European democracies. As part of the package, the Commission plans to introduce a directive for “common transparency and accountability standards for interest
Read more →The analysis prepared by the Anti-corruption Fund is a systematic review of the legal practice on SLAPP cases in Bulgaria for the period 2000 – March 2023. The analysis provides an outline of the concept, the emergence, the significance, and the effects of the SLAPPs, by presenting country’s specific examples, revealing the Bulgarian dimension of
Read more →Liberties is summoning CSOs and activists to take a stand for citizens’ voting autonomy by signing a petition. The rationale is to prevent certain politicians from carrying out voter fraud using sensitive data about race, religion, sexual orientation, or health. The letter asks citizens to be the ones choosing the leaders and allowed to protect
Read more →BCSDN invites activists, CS practitioners, and RACoP members to join the second thematic event of the Regional Accountability Community of Practice group and dive deep into the concept of “community-led” development in the Balkans and, by sharing international examples, examine how it can create real, lasting change. By exploring what community-led looks like in practice,
Read more →The OpenGovWeek, organized by the Open Government Partnership (OGP) took place from 8 to 12 May. More than 400 activities were held both in person and virtually in 103 countries, with the right to information, digital governance, gender & inclusion, and civic space as the most popular themes. Throughout the week, the Global Standard Partnership
Read more →The article focuses on the Global spending on climate change, urging transparency, equity, and inclusion to be at the core of climate finance decision-making. For this, people need green accountability – an approach recognizing that effectively addressing the climate crisis requires harnessing the insights and agency of those most affected by climate impacts. In developing
Read more →Bond presents a collection of case studies to help INGOs consider alternatives to a traditional grant funding model, to generate their income and avoid funder restrictions whilst shifting both income and power to local communities. These examples present stories of “innovative and sustainable income streams bypassing the limitations that funders place on them”, while assisting
Read more →Target group: NGOs, including civic organizations, associations, independent media, and other similar organizations. Aim: Supporting the projects of nongovernmental groups abroad who are working to advance democratic goals and strengthen democratic institutions in more than 100 countries worldwide. Amount: NED gives more than 2,000 grants per year with the average grant about USD 50,000.00. Deadline:
Read more →Target group: The applicant institution can be registered in all CEI Member States, and it might coincide with a know-how provider or with a know-how beneficiary institution. Aim: Launched in 2004, the KEP is a development instrument aimed at supporting the transfer of expertise from organizations in the EU to peers in the non‐EU countries within the
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 accountability
Read more →