News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe reacts to the new EU-US trade agreement with concern. The deal, which triples U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, directly undermines the stability and sustainability of the civil society sector by locking the continent into a long-term dependency on fossil fuels. This move, which clashes with the goals of the
Read more →The working document on “Enhancing Western Balkans’ Participation in Horizon Europe and Framework Programme 10,” provides an analysis of current participation trends, structural challenges, and opportunities for scaling up engagement in EU-funded research and innovation programmes. This working document finds that WB6 has improved its participation in Horizon Europe, with Serbia and Montenegro emerging as
Read more →The Clingendael Institute’s geopolitical mapping of the Western Balkans highlights a troubling trend: external influences are actively undermining the enabling environment for a stable and democratic civil society. While the region is formally on the path to EU integration, a complex web of international powers is exerting influence that erodes democracy and stability. This poses
Read more →The intensifying crackdown on the “Students in Blockade” movement in Serbia is a critical challenge to the enabling environment for civil society. What began as a demand for accountability following a tragic infrastructure collapse has evolved into a nationwide protest for democracy and transparency. However, UN experts report that the Serbian government is responding with
Read more →The key challenge for civil society media organizations is aligning their project pitches with the distinct goals of different funders. While many have strong ideas, their success hinges on presenting a narrative that resonates with the audience’s logic. For donors, pitches must focus on social impact, inclusion, and policy alignment, using powerful visual storytelling with
Read more →The stagnation of official development assistance (ODA) for gender equality is a major concern. Recent analysis reveals that, both in Sweden and globally, the proportion of aid dedicated to gender equality has stalled, which directly impacts the ability of civil society organizations to conduct their work. This lack of funding momentum coincides with a global
Read more →Target Group: Not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, and NGOs with experience in youth programming, cybersecurity, or U.S. engagement, based in Albania or with operations in Albania. Aim: To engage Albanian youth (ages 18+) in Tirana, Vlora, and Kukes through cybersecurity-themed programming aligned with America 250 and U.S. leadership in science and technology. Countries: Albania Amount: Up
Read more →Target Group: Female entrepreneurs, solo founders, and startup teams (up to 5 members) from 17 countries across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Western Balkans. Men may participate in supporting roles. Aim: To empower women entrepreneurs through a 10-day fully virtual international innovation sprint, where participants will tackle real-world business challenges with guidance
Read more →Target Group: Registered CSOs in North Macedonia with innovative ideas and programs supporting youth-led social enterprises at the local level. Aim: To strengthen the capacity of grassroots CSOs to promote social entrepreneurship as a tool for socio-economic integration of young people (ages 15–29), particularly from vulnerable groups such as Roma, women, people with disabilities, and
Read more →Short Description: The Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), with the support of the UK Government, invites applications for the Western Balkans Youth Forum 2025. The Forum will bring together young leaders and key regional partners to engage in dialogue, peer learning, and policy advocacy on pressing regional challenges, in the context of the Berlin Process
Read more →Short Description: The RINGO Connect Meeting is a monthly open, semi-structured space for changemakers in global civil society to connect, exchange ideas, share challenges, and collaborate towards systems change. Facilitated by the RINGO team, the session offers opportunities for peer support, thematic discussions, and moving from ideas to action. Target Group: Civil society practitioners, activists,
Read more →Short Description: The UN Human Rights Council is seeking nominations for the next Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights Defenders. The Special Rapporteur is an independent and voluntary expert tasked with monitoring and reporting on human rights situations globally. The role requires a substantial time commitment and travel readiness. Target Group: Highly qualified
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