News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has placed civil society at the center of its new work programme, “Civil Society at the heart of Europe.” The EESC President, Séamus Boland, announced a people-centered vision focusing on three pillars: A Union of opportunities, security, and resilience. The programme explicitly commits to protecting democracy and civic
Read more →The first Reform Agenda Update: Pilot Reform Monitor introduces mid-year reports on reform implementation in the Western Balkans. The key findings from the Reform Monitor reports, which track the implementation of the national reform agendas in the WB, reveal a persistent gap between political commitments and effective implementation, with many reform steps remaining pending. The
Read more →A new analysis by Alberto Alemanno for EUobserver reveals that policies originally intended for transparency are being weaponized across Europe to dismantle independent civil society. Under the guise of simplification, governments and EU institutions are imposing heavy burdens, with national laws (e.g., in Hungary and Slovakia) classifying EU funds as a form of foreign influence.
Read more →At the OGP Global Summit in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, BCSDN urged stronger action against tactics undermining democracy in the Western Balkans. Executive Director Biljana Spasovska warned that civil society faces restrictive laws and covert attacks, including smear campaigns and arbitrary inspections, draining resources and chilling civic space. She stressed that “performative participation” turns civil society involvement
Read more →A coalition of NGOs, including the European Civic Forum and FIDH, has condemned the violent repression of peaceful protests supporting the Global Sumud Flotilla and the Palestinian people. They called on EU leaders to protect the fundamental rights to assembly, association, and expression ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 20 October. The groups
Read more →The Internal Market (IMCO) Committee has voted on the proposed Foreign Interest Representation Directive, which aims for transparency in lobbying by non-EU countries. Civil Society Europe (CSE) has cautiously welcomed the outcome, noting that the draft included improvements, such as strengthened protections for academic and media freedom. However, for CSOs, key issues remain. CSE warned
Read more →The Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative (RAI) has released a Policy Brief summarizing the outcomes of the High-Level Multi-Stakeholder Side Event of the Berlin Process on Anti-Corruption and Good Governance (Sarajevo, Oct 6, 2025). The brief calls for accelerated ratification of the International Treaty on Exchange of Data for Asset Declarations and the adoption of the Regional
Read more →Youth participation in European elections is at a historic low, with support for far-right parties rising, especially among young men. Despite being well-educated, Millennials and Generation Z are disengaged from politics. In 2024, only 36% of 15–24-year-olds voted, compared to 58% of those over 55. Young people cite the cost of living, housing, and jobs
Read more →A new report by Index on Censorship, From Survivor to Defendant, reveals how survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the UK and Ireland are being targeted with Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). Since the #MeToo movement, survivors and journalists have faced legal threats from those accused, with courts sometimes used to continue
Read more →A new report by the UN Special Rapporteur on environmental defenders under the Aarhus Convention reveals a rising wave of threats and retaliation against environmental defenders across multiple regions. These threats are often linked to projects financed or operated by state entities or private companies. Defenders face complex risks from multiple actors, making identification of
Read more →The 2025 AidWatch report by CONCORD warns that the EU and its Member States are undermining the purpose of Official Development Assistance (ODA) by inflating figures and diverting funds from genuine development needs. Despite claiming to be the largest ODA provider, the EU’s share of GNI for aid fell from 0.53% to 0.47%. For CSOs,
Read more →The 100 Think Tanks to Watch 2025 initiative recognizes organizations that drive ideas and change worldwide. Nominations from peers highlight institutions for innovative approaches and impactful contributions over the past year. Unlike traditional rankings, it reflects collective appreciation rather than performance metrics. Created by On Think Tanks, it encourages collaboration, celebrates achievements, and fosters shared
Read more →