News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The European Union is reviewing its financial commitments to Serbia following the adoption of controversial judicial reforms, warning that these measures are “eroding trust.” EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos confirmed that the Commission is reconsidering a 1.6 billion EUR allocation of loans and grants under the EU Growth Plan, citing strict rule-of-law preconditions. The new
Read more →The Constitutional Court of Republika Srpska has confirmed the unconstitutionality of the Law on the Special Registry and Publicity of Non-Profit Organisations, known as the “foreign agents” law, months after the Constitutional Court of BiH struck it down. The law, adopted in 2025, had been widely criticised as a repressive measure targeting civil society, journalists,
Read more →Serbia’s Ombudsman has proposed amendments to the Public Order and Peace Law that would extend its jurisdiction to social media, sparking intense backlash from civil society and legal experts. While framed as a move to regulate digital conduct, critics warn the draft uses vague language that could criminalize political criticism, satire, and irony, potentially leading
Read more →European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said future EU accession treaties should include stronger safeguards that would “bite hard” if new members backslide on rule of law commitments, with Montenegro likely to be the first tested under such rules. Speaking at an enlargement conference in Tallinn, Kos stressed there can be no shortcuts on reforms,
Read more →The 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) signals a worrying global stagnation in the fight against corruption, with the world average at 42 and more than two-thirds of countries scoring below 50. The results point to persistent weaknesses in governance, accountability, and the effectiveness of oversight institutions, alongside growing pressure on those working to expose wrongdoing.
Read more →According to Freedom House’s Freedom on the Net 2025 report, global internet freedom has declined for the 15th consecutive year, with conditions worsening in 28 of the 72 countries assessed. The findings point to a troubling global trend marked by more arrests for online expression, expanded digital surveillance, and growing use of information manipulation by
Read more →Civil society organisations are currently contributing to the public consultation on North Macedonia’s new Draft Law on Associations and Foundations, which addresses key aspects of the sector’s legal status, governance, and funding. The process remains open on the ENER Platform, allowing organisations to review the draft and submit comments. As part of this effort, the
Read more →Partners Albania, a BCSDN member, has submitted comprehensive recommendations on the draft Law on Donations and Sponsorships, advocating for a legal framework that balances transparency with operational ease. The organization urges lawmakers to avoid excessive administrative burdens that could stifle philanthropic activity, emphasizing that clear, simplified rules are essential for fostering public trust and sustaining
Read more →The OKO Coalition has issued an urgent call to Serbia’s Ministry of Health to publish final decisions on two public funding calls that have remained in limbo for nearly a year. Despite ranking lists being finalized in April 2025, the ministry has yet to disclose the allocation of over 25 million RSD intended for preventive
Read more →A new study on citizen attitudes in Bosnia and Herzegovina challenges the “anti-gender” narratives currently gaining traction in regional political discourse. Despite the country’s strong traditional and religious landscape, the research finds a robust majority in favor of equal opportunities in education, employment, and political participation. Crucially, the findings reveal that most citizens do not
Read more →The 2025 Public Opinion Analysis reveals a significant resurgence in pro-EU sentiment in North Macedonia, with support climbing to 71%—a nearly 10% increase from previous years. This surge is marked by a narrowing gap between ethnic communities, as support among ethnic Macedonians rose by 15% to match the long-standing enthusiasm of ethnic Albanians. Despite this
Read more →A new analysis highlights a critical rift in North Macedonia’s digital landscape: while national laws are increasingly aligned with EU standards, a lack of robust enforcement leaves citizens vulnerable to “surveillance capitalism.” From daily app usage to AI-driven behavior tracking, personal data is frequently monetized and exploited with minimal oversight, turning the rule of law
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