What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

Coordination Toolkit for Civic Space and DAC Recommendations

The new toolkit offers practical guidance for aligning actions, including monitoring restrictions, sharing information, engaging constructively with governments, and implementing measures that minimize harm. It emphasizes collaboration among donors, international organizations, civil society, and local actors, highlighting the importance of inclusive, well-informed partnerships. Better coordination among these actors is needed to ensure effective efforts and

Read more →

Why must the EU integrate the Western Balkans into its Cybersecurity Agency?

As digital threats and geopolitical tensions increase, cybersecurity is a key priority for the Western Balkans’ EU integration. The six countries—Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia—seek phased access to EU cybersecurity structures, starting with ENISA observer status. Currently, candidate countries have limited access, but the EU Cybersecurity Act revision offers a

Read more →

The Reform Agenda 2024 – 2027 and Digitalization in the Republic of North Macedonia

The Report prepared by Metamorphosis outlines key digitalization and cybersecurity goals with a June 2025 deadline, and plans for 2026 and 2027. It highlights North Macedonia’s strategic roadmap toward EU integration, emphasizing reforms that affect EU funding and membership progress. After the 2022 Intergovernmental Conference, the country accelerated efforts, especially in digitalizing public administration to

Read more →

Mobilizing ‘Team Ukraine’ for a Successful Recovery

The post-war rebuilding of Ukraine is among Europe’s most complex and multifaceted challenges, requiring extensive coordination and resources. While the conflict continues, various recovery plans are actively being developed and implemented across different regions of the country. Experts emphasize that an inclusive approach is crucial, one that involves not only government agencies but also citizens,

Read more →

EJTA Set Out New Guidelines for Ethical Use of AI in Journalism & Journalism Education

The European Journalism Training Association (EJTA), with the Institute of Communication Studies (ICS), published its first guidelines for responsible AI use in journalism education. The guidelines are intended to motivate teachers, professors, but also students to focus their attention on critical thinking and the reasonable use of AI tools and to build a system of

Read more →

What’s the State of Protection for LBQ Women Facing Gender-Based Violence in Albania, BiH, Kosovo, and Serbia?

Between March and April 2025, civil society organizations in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Serbia conducted focus groups and research on LBQ women facing gender-based violence. The findings highlight systemic protection gaps, legal invisibility, and exclusion in policies and services. Discussions with activists and providers underscored the neglect faced by LBQ survivors. The upcoming

Read more →

Civil Society State of the Union 2025 Report

Civil Society Europe (CSE) new `Civil Society State of Union` Report warns of a significant decline in democracy, human rights, and the rule of law since 2023, affecting both the EU and worldwide. Key findings include: democratic erosion, restrictive migration policies, weakened social rights, Inaction on climate change, and unchecked digitalization. The Civil Society State

Read more →

What is Planned for Horizon Europe 2028-2034 and other Programmes?

President von der Leyen announced the EU’s proposed €2 trillion Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034, aimed at addressing Europe’s challenges and ambitions. The budget is designed to support citizens, businesses, and partners with a focus on cohesion, prosperity, competitiveness, security, external action, and EU administration. This decision has been well received by civil society

Read more →

CfP: North Macedonia – Sustainable Tourism Program in the Prespa Region (Deadline: 14 August 2025)

Target Group: CSOs registered and operating in the Prespa region (Municipality of Resen). Aim: To support sustainable tourism and economic development through capacity building and direct financial support for eco-tourism initiatives. The program seeks to enhance local livelihoods, improve tourism services, and protect natural resources in the Prespa region. Countries: North Macedonia Amount: €20,000–€30,000 per

Read more →

CfP: Western Balkans – Regional Initiatives to Combat Technology-Facilitated Violence Against Women (Deadline: 15 August 2025)

Target Group: CSOs with experience in gender-based violence and regional collaboration in the Western Balkans. Aim: To support four distinct regional initiatives to address technology-facilitated violence against women (TF VAW), including: Building a regional Community of Practice; Driving policy advocacy and offering technical support; Leading regional capacity-building; Developing and delivering targeted media training Countries: Albania,

Read more →

CfP: Western Balkans – External Assessors for Small Media Support Grants (Deadline: 18 August 2025)

Target Group: Independent experts and professionals from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Aim: To recruit external assessors for evaluating applications under the Small Grants for Media Content Production, part of the Small Media Support (SMS) Facility. Assessors will support transparent, quality-driven selection processes across the Western Balkans media landscape. Countries:

Read more →