News and updates from BCSDN and the region
With only five years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), just 17% of targets are on track. A new report by Forus, “Unlocking the Power of Localization and Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships to Rescue the SDGs,” argues that localization is key to closing the implementation gap and making real progress. The report draws on over
Read more →Target Group: Informal youth groups composed of at least 5 young people aged 16–30 from at least 3 out of 5 Western Balkan countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia). Only informal groups (unregistered, low-formality groups) are eligible. Aim: To strengthen informal and creative youth groups in the Western Balkans through financial
Read more →Target Group: Civil society organizations, municipalities, and local labour market actors in Albania—specifically in Tirana, Shkodër, and Vlore—with experience in youth engagement, skills development, and employment services for vulnerable NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) populations. Aim: To support the National Agency of Employment and Skills (NAES) and the National Youth Agency in establishing
Read more →Target Group: Civil society organizations with expertise in legal protection, asylum law, birth registration, and statelessness prevention, operating in Serbia, specifically in Raška, Belgrade, Nišava, and Vojvodina. Aim: To ensure access to legal assistance and representation for refugees and asylum seekers throughout the asylum procedure, prevent statelessness, and support access to rights, services, and durable
Read more →Target Group: NGOs, community groups, universities, and private enterprises operating within the Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot. Individuals may apply only through partnerships with eligible civil society organizations. Government-owned enterprises may apply if meeting specific legal criteria. Aim: To support conservation projects focusing on (1) Coastal Biodiversity Conservation—including Marine Protected Areas and coastal wetlands—and (2) Conservation
Read more →Target Group: Small local media outlets and media-owning CSOs based in the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia), preferably outside major urban centers. Eligible applicants must have fewer than seven employees, a turnover below €50,000 in 2024, be registered by December 31, 2023, and have a publicly available Impressum.
Read more →Target Group: Associations, foundations, artistic organizations, private non-profit institutions, and cooperatives registered and operating in the Republic of Croatia, whose EU- or foreign-funded project is implemented fully or partially in Croatia. Aim: To support civil society organizations in co-financing the mandatory share of EU-funded or foreign-funded projects that contribute to civil society development. Eligible projects
Read more →Short Description: This survey aims to collect relevant information from CSOs in Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia to assess their capacities, challenges, and needs related to transparent governance and digitalization. The collected data will be used internally by the project team to design targeted capacity-building and advocacy activities within the DIGI-CORE project framework. All responses
Read more →Short Description: This session will explore how the PRIMA initiative contributes to sustainable solutions in water management, agriculture, and food systems, and how it aligns with the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. Target Group: Stakeholders from research institutions, universities, innovation agencies, civil society, policymakers, and anyone involved in sustainable development, R&I, agriculture, food
Read more →Short Description: The course is designed to strengthen the capacity of relevant departments in applying nature-based approaches to disaster risk reduction (DRR) through forest management and ecosystem conservation. Target Group: Representatives of departments engaged in forest-related DRR from central or local governments, public organizations, or equivalent institutions, with at least 5 years of experience in
Read more →Short Description: The Institute for Human Rights (IHR) is launching a three-month internship program starting in September 2025, aimed at engaging young individuals in activities promoting human rights and access to justice, with a particular focus on vulnerable and marginalized communities in North Macedonia. Target Group: Unemployed young people up to the age of 29
Read more →Short Description: This program focuses on building capacity in sustainable tourism planning that respects and integrates cultural heritage preservation and active community involvement. Target Group: Officials from central or local government bodies and public institutions responsible for tourism development that involves the preservation of cultural heritage and/or landscapes. Countries: North Macedonia. Location: Japan Duration: September
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