News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Geopolitical tensions are reshaping EU enlargement in the Western Balkans, increasingly framing it as a strategic security instrument rather than a purely technical process. The war following the Russian invasion of Ukraine has accelerated debates inside the European Union about enlargement as part of broader European security planning. Experts argue that candidate countries in the
Read more →Europe’s media freedom landscape remained under pressure in 2025, with continued attacks, legal intimidation, and political interference affecting journalists and media organisations. The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) annual monitoring report, produced by the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, the European Federation of Journalists, and the International Press Institute, documents 1,481 press freedom
Read more →On 12 March 2026, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) organised a conference in Skopje bringing together CSOs, social partners, EU institutions and national authorities to discuss key priorities for North Macedonia’s EU accession process. The event focused on the role of organised civil society in accession negotiations and the implementation of the Reform
Read more →BCSDN member Partners Albania, together with 30 CSOs, has called on the Albanian Parliament to ensure that proposed amendments to its Rules of Procedure do not undermine transparency, parliamentary scrutiny, and public consultation in legislation related to EU integration. While recognising the need for efficiency during this intensive phase of accession negotiations, civil society stresses
Read more →A wave of coordinated bot attacks has targeted independent journalists and media outlets in Serbia, leading to the suspension or deletion of key Instagram accounts. Photojournalists Irena Radosavljević and Gavrilo Andrić, outlets including Nova.rs and OzonPress, and weekly publication Radar were hit by mass reporting from fake profiles. Some accounts were suspended for months, while
Read more →Civil Society Europe (CSE) has provided input to the European Commission’s call for evidence on improving its Better Regulation guidelines, cautioning that simplification efforts must not undermine fundamental rights, sustainable development, or democratic standards. As these guidelines shape how EU laws are prepared and implemented, CSE highlights the importance of evidence-based policymaking, independent scientific expertise,
Read more →The report argues that the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020–2025 was developed for a political context that has since changed significantly. While the strategy contributed to progress on pay transparency, corporate equality measures, funding conditions, and the EU’s accession to the Istanbul Convention, many advances resulted from external pressure, legal action, and shifting national policies
Read more →A new policy paper by ECNL finds that CSOs and human rights defenders forced into exile face serious barriers to accessing banking services in EU countries. Based on a global survey, many organisations struggle to open accounts, transfer funds, or maintain banking relationships, often due to visa status, lack of long-term residency, or links to
Read more →European CSOs have raised alarm after a US congressional report on alleged EU “censorship” published thousands of emails with the names of EU Commission officials and NGO staff visible, while tech company employees’ identities were redacted. The House Judiciary Committee report, based on subpoenaed communications with platforms such as Google, Meta and TikTok, is seen
Read more →A recent report published by International Civil Society Sector (ICSC) explores how civil society, including NGOs, community groups, and citizens’ organisations, could evolve over the next 20 years as the world faces growing uncertainty from climate change, conflicts, digital risks, and declining international funding. The report notes that the current aid system is still largely
Read more →As digital technologies reshape civic participation, local civil society actors are facing growing challenges in accessing funding, technical infrastructure, and institutional support. In an environment of shrinking civic space and global democratic pressures, grassroots organisations remain essential for promoting inclusive governance and community accountability. The CIVICUS Digital Democracy Initiative highlights that many local actors operate
Read more →A recent commentary highlights the growing role of philanthropy in protecting democracy and civic space amid increasing pressure on CSOs and non-profit actors. Philanthropic institutions have faced political accusations and attempts to restrict support for human rights, democracy, and civic initiatives. Despite these pressures, philanthropy has developed strategies to strengthen sector resilience, including increased and
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