News and updates from BCSDN and the region
In a milestone for Albania’s EU integration process, Juliana Hoxha, Director of Partners Albania for Change and Development, has been elected Co-Chair of the EU–Albania Civil Society Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) for a three-year mandate. The JCC is a formal body established under the EU–Albania Stabilisation and Association Agreement and brings together representatives from Albanian
Read more →A new analysis by the Balkans in Europe Policy Advisory Group (BIEPAG) highlights the student-led protests in Serbia as a critical test for democracy—both nationally and across the Western Balkans. With tens of thousands mobilised across the country, the movement represents the most serious challenge to Serbia’s authoritarian trajectory under President Vučić. The report warns
Read more →North Macedonia has become the first country to receive pre-financing under the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, securing a total of €52.2 million to kickstart reforms outlined in its approved Reform Agenda. Of this amount, €24.5 million will be channelled directly into the state budget to support priority reforms, while €28 million will
Read more →The Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law (FRRL) Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) concluded a two-day visit to Tirana on 2-3 April 2025, marking its first mission to Albania. Meeting with civil society, media representatives, and authorities, the delegation gathered input on key challenges affecting freedoms of association and assembly, media
Read more →The latest survey by the Macedonian Center for International Cooperation (MCIC) reveals a significant decline in public trust in civil society organisations (CSOs). In 2024, the overall trust index in the sector dropped to 42.9%, down by 8.2 percentage points compared to 2021. Only 38.4% of respondents expressed trust in CSOs, with notable variations across
Read more →A new analysis by the European Movement in Serbia outlines the multiple initiatives driving the Western Balkans’ gradual integration into the EU Single Market. While the EU Growth Plan (2024–2027) provides a key financial and policy framework, the report stresses that regional efforts such as the Common Regional Market (CRM) and CEFTA remain vital for
Read more →The 2024 Assessment of the Capacities and Needs of CSOs in Albania, conducted by the National Resource Centre for Civil Society, offers a detailed overview of the current challenges facing the sector. The report identifies key gaps in organisational management, financial sustainability, participation in policymaking, and engagement in the EU integration process. These findings will
Read more →In a new strategic overview, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) underscores the enduring relevance of democracy support as both a moral obligation and a long-term investment in global stability, prosperity, and resilience. The report positions democracy as a system that delivers tangible benefits, including economic development, civic accountability, and peace, contrasting sharply with authoritarian
Read more →The CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE) has issued a detailed response to the first draft of the outcome document for the upcoming 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4). While welcoming stronger language on aid quantity and effectiveness, CPDE argues the draft remains insufficient to meet the scale of today’s global challenges. It
Read more →Target group: Public or private legal entities established in EU Member States or countries associated to the CERV ProgrammeCountries: EU Member States and CERV-associated or negotiating countriesAim: This call supports initiatives to prevent and combat all forms of gender-based violence and domestic violence, particularly against women and girls, as well as violence against children, LGBTQI
Read more →Target group: Civil society organizations with at least two years of experience in youth engagement, environmental sustainability, rural development, or cultural heritageCountries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and SerbiaAim: The BOOST Program, supported by the Agence Française de Développement, offers funding for national CSOs to implement projects that empower youth and women,
Read more →Target group: European non-governmental organisations (ENGOs) and EU-wide networks active in the field of youth Countries: EU Member States and Erasmus+ Programme Countries (including EEA and associated countries) Aim: This call provides structural support in the form of operating grants to ENGOs and EU-wide networks working on youth issues. It aims to enhance their capacity
Read more →