News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN) has welcomed the EU’s first-ever Strategy for Civil Society, praising the inclusion of civil society input and recognition of enlargement countries as part of a shared civic space with EU Member States. The network called for stronger commitments to align the strategy’s goals with accession contexts. BCSDN highlighted
Read more →The European Commission’s 2025 Enlargement Communication presents accession as increasingly attainable but shows that persistent weaknesses in the Rule of Law, democratic institutions, and fundamental rights continue to hinder progress. While some candidates have advanced in key reforms, the report highlights ongoing political polarization, weak oversight, and limited public consultation across much of the region.
Read more →At the 2025 Democracy & Rights Conference in Copenhagen, the Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN) led an interactive Skill and Capacity Lab titled “From Civic Space Struggles to EU Impact: Advocacy Pathways and Alliances for Civil Society in Europe.” The session, facilitated by Maja Stojanović of Civic Initiatives (Serbia) and Simona Mladenovska from BCSDN,
Read more →Investigative journalism across the Western Balkans was recently recognised through awards in Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, celebrating impactful reporting on corruption and public-interest issues. In North Macedonia, 360 stepeni journalists won for uncovering abuses in national security. Albanian reporters from Amfora.al were awarded for exposing coastal development threats to cultural heritage. Montenegro’s top
Read more →Bulgaria’s parliament has set up a commission to investigate alleged influence by NGOs and companies linked to George Soros and his son, a move driven by pro-Russian, nationalist parties and by Delyan Peevski’s New Beginning. GERB lawmakers mostly abstained or voted against. Although presenting himself as pro-Western, Peevski has increasingly used anti-Soros conspiracy rhetoric common
Read more →WHAT TO FIX, along with 125 CSOs, has expressed serious concerns over the EU Digital Omnibus proposals, warning they could dismantle key protections for personal data, AI oversight, and digital rights. The coalition argues that under the guise of “technical streamlining,” the proposals risk weakening the ePrivacy framework, the GDPR, and AI regulations, potentially exposing
Read more →Civil Society Europe has raised concern over the European Commission’s plan to withdraw the European Cross-Border Associations (ECBA) Directive from its 2026 Work Programme. The proposal, developed by the now-dismantled social economy unit in DG GROW, was expected to create a long-awaited European Association Status, enabling non-profit organisations to operate more easily across borders. With
Read more →Independent civil society organisations across Europe are warning of growing pressure that threatens democratic accountability and public-interest protections. Once key partners in shaping policies on health, the environment and social rights, many groups now face defunding, smear campaigns and shrinking civic space. Recent EU funding cuts have forced health NGOs to scale back, while environmental
Read more →Visa systems in Europe’s Schengen area create major barriers for human rights defenders (HRDs) from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, preventing their participation in key decision-making forums, Amnesty International said in its new report Closing the door? How visa policies in Europe’s Schengen area fail human rights defenders. The report shows that HRDs from
Read more →The European Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL) has published a new foresight paper by James Logan exploring the key trends and drivers that will shape the future of civil society. Developed as part of ECNL’s new strategy process, the paper reflects on two decades of change while looking ahead to the world of 2035. It
Read more →As global crises shift donor priorities and the U.S. abruptly withdraws funding, watchdog and advocacy organizations across the region face growing uncertainty. A recent study examines key donors, including the EU, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Germany, France, and the UK, and how their support affects civil society’s role in the EU accession process. The report finds
Read more →A coalition of 46 civil society organizations from the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and the Republic of Moldova has issued a joint appeal to the European Parliament and EU Member States, calling for enlargement to be made a core strategic and budgetary priority in the upcoming EU long-term budget for 2028–2034. The appeal urges the establishment
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