News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Liberties messaging guide explores how to rebuild public support for NGOs working on human rights issues, focusing on how people form opinions and what messages resonate. Research across EU countries show that “undecided” audiences have low awareness and understanding of advocacy NGOs and are not strongly influenced by smear campaigns, meaning their views can shift
Read more →The European Federation of Journalists condemned the dismissal of N1 News Director Igor Božić, warning it raises serious concerns about the future of independent journalism in Serbia. Božić, currently unassigned pending a final decision, is supported by N1 staff and media organisations gathering in solidarity. His removal follows the restructuring of independent newsrooms under the
Read more →A joint statement by European and national human rights organisations raises serious concern over escalating repression of LGBTI+ activists and organisations in Türkiye, highlighting the court-ordered closure of Genç LGBTİ+ and legal cases against its board members and human rights defender Defne Güzel. The cases, based on “morality” and “obscenity” grounds, risk imprisonment and restrictions
Read more →Accountable Now marks its 20th anniversary in 2026 with a year-long campaign highlighting key principles of Dynamic Accountability through events, resources, and publications. The initiative brings together reflections from across two decades of work while offering new opportunities for learning and engagement. Recent activities include trainings and support services for members, including sessions on decision-making
Read more →The Humanitarian Accountability Report (HAR) 2026 is CHS Alliance’s flagship report assessing the state of quality and accountability in the humanitarian sector, with a focus on accountability to affected people (AAP) amid current funding constraints and the Humanitarian Reset. Drawing on sector-wide data, research, and practitioner insights, it identifies key trends, highlights persistent gaps and
Read more →Official development assistance (ODA) fell to USD 174.3 billion in 2025—a sharp 23.1% drop and the largest annual decline on record, reversing gains made since the start of the 2030 Agenda. The contraction was driven largely by cuts from major donors, with the United States alone accounting for most of the decrease. Both bilateral and
Read more →The second edition of the International Fundraising Conference will take place on 18 June 2026 in Sofia, bringing together civil society leaders, fundraising professionals, and corporate representatives from across Europe. Organised by the Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law (BCNL) and initiated by Fundraising Club Bulgaria, the event focuses on “Fundraising in Times of Courage,” highlighting
Read more →Target Group: CSOs registered in Western Balkans Aim: To promote equality and inclusion of LGBTIQ+ persons through advocacy, awareness-raising, alliance-building and strategic litigation, and to strengthen civil society capacities in addressing discrimination Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia Amount: EUR 10,000 – 18,000 per project (total budget EUR 300,000) Duration: /
Read more →Target Group: CSOs (formal or informal), networks, movements, and coalitions, or Individual activists formally affiliated with a civil society organization. Priority to underrepresented and marginalised actors, including women, youth, LGBTQI+, Indigenous Peoples, and grassroots groups. Applicants must be based in OECD DAC ODA-eligible countries. Preference for organisations in obstructed or repressed civic space contexts and
Read more →Target Group: Environmental CSOs in BiH working on local environmental development and protected areas. Aim: To support environmental CSOs in developing and implementing local solutions, while strengthening capacities and building trust and partnerships with local authorities and protected area managers. Countries: BiH Amount: Maximum grant amount: 30,000 KM ( ≈ 15,300 EUR) Duration: 12 months
Read more →Target Group: Western Balkans CSOs Aim: To empower CSOs to provide independent monitoring, advocacy, and sector-specific perspectives on the implementation of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans (GPWB). Countries: Western Balkans 6 Amount: EUR 314,620 is allocated to support up to 20 grants (10–12 months each), with a maximum of EUR 16,000 and an
Read more →Target Group: CSOs, media actors, human rights organisations, and democracy-focused stakeholders operating in BiH. Aim: To support actions that strengthen civil society, independent media, human rights protection, and democratic development across BiH through EU-funded action grants. Focus Areas (LOTS): Media; Rule of Law; Reconciliation (sport & culture); CSO Resource Centre; Human Rights and Democracy. Countries:
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