News and updates from BCSDN and the region
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 Regional Accountability Community of Practice (RACoP) and support our Pledge for joint action and discussions in a safe space where we can commit to strengthen
Read more →Target group: Aspiring journalists, media and journalism students, young professionals who want to advance their knowledge and skills in media and journalism. Countries: International Short description: The Media and Journalism Master Classes is a program organized by the Institute of Communication Studies in Skopje, North Macedonia. It offers aspiring journalists, media and journalism students, and
Read more →Target group: Journalists, media professionals, data enthusiasts Countries: Global Short description: The International Journalism Festival is offering a panel discussion on “Data Journalism: Skills, Tools, and Trends” for journalists, media professionals, and data enthusiasts. The session will cover the evolution of data journalism and explore new tools, technologies, and trends in data journalism. The speakers
Read more →Target group: European civil society organizations, activists, and changemakers Countries: Europe Short description: The European Civic Academy is a learning and networking program that brings together activists, organizers, and changemakers from across Europe to strengthen civil society and promote social change. The program offers a series of workshops, seminars, and training sessions on topics such
Read more →Target group: Philanthropy and education professionals Countries: International Short description: The Philanthropy & Education Forum 2023 is a global platform for philanthropy and education professionals to come together, share their expertise, and discuss innovative ways to address challenges in the field. The forum will include keynote speeches, interactive sessions, and workshops on various topics related
Read more →On 1-3 March, BCSDN is organizing a workshop and advocacy event in Brussels. The first meeting, co-organized and hosted by the EU DG Near, will brief the EC representatives about the civil society state of play in the Western Balkans and Türkiye and discuss with leading CSOs from the region how the EU could support
Read more →The European Policy Centre (EPC) has published a paper on the future of the EU’s Cohesion Policy. The document analyzes the policy’s challenges, including the rise of populism and nationalism, the impact of Brexit, and the need to address new challenges such as climate change and digitalization. It argues that Cohesion Policy should be modernized
Read more →The Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) has published a report on how to engage with authoritarian states. The report suggests that traditional approaches to promoting democracy and human rights have proven ineffective in countries where authoritarian regimes are in power. It recommends new approaches focusing on strengthening civil society, promoting human rights, and supporting democratic
Read more →The article published on the EU Observer discusses the ongoing democratic backsliding in Hungary and Poland, and how the EU should respond to this situation, arguing that the Union must take a more proactive approach to defend democratic values within its member states, instead of simply resorting to sanctions or financial penalties. It suggests that
Read more →The article titled “When human rights go backwards: lessons for the 21st century” discusses how, despite progress in the 20th century, human rights have recently faced setbacks around the world. It argues that these regressions are often a result of the rise of authoritarianism and the disregard for human rights principles. The article also highlights
Read more →An article published by the STGM discusses how CSOs in Turkey face legal restrictions, prohibitions, and penalties for their aid collection activities. Turkish law requires CSOs to obtain permits from the government to collect funds, and failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe fines and even criminal charges. This creates a challenging
Read more →The 2023 Rule of Law Report, published by Liberties reveals that democratic backsliding has resulted in shrinking space for CSOs in Europe. The report documents increased restrictions on the right to freedom of assembly and expression and the suppression of human rights defenders and journalists. It identifies Hungary and Poland as the countries where the
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