News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Target group: Journalists reporting on EU member states and EU-aspiring countries Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine, and Kosovo Aim: To support in-depth investigative stories that shed light on critical political, economic, and social issues. Selected journalists will receive financial support and editorial mentoring as part of the
Read more →Target group: Policy researchers, experts, civil society actors, academics, and government stakeholders from the WB6 and EU Location: Online (via Zoom) Short Description: SCiDEV invites stakeholders to join a series of online consultations focused on enhancing mobility-driven research and innovation (R&I) in the Western Balkans. Supported by the Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans, the
Read more →Target group: Civil society actors, journalists, researchers, political analysts, and the general public Location: Burgtheater, Vienna Short Description: As global right-wing networks challenge democratic institutions and values, this Debating Europe panel discussion will explore how authoritarian and populist movements operate across borders. Experts will examine the role of digital platforms in spreading anti-democratic narratives and
Read more →Democracy” (Deadline: 21 April) Target group: Experienced researchers, policy analysts, or digital rights experts (individuals or teams) Countries: Global/Remote Short Description: CIVICUS, through its Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI), is seeking a research consultant to investigate the growing influence of tech billionaires over democratic institutions, civic space, and digital governance. The study will explore how control
Read more →Target group: Civil society organisations, academics, legal experts, policymakers, and EU citizens interested in democracy, fundamental rights, and rule of law Location: Online (EU Commission portal) Short description: The European Commission invites stakeholders to provide feedback on the upcoming European Democracy Shield, a new initiative aimed at addressing the most serious risks to democracy in
Read more →Following one of the largest civic mobilizations in Serbia’s recent history, marked by a worrying pattern of state violence and intimidation, BCSDN reiterates its condemnation of the systematic pressure of Serbia’s civil society and calls for robust EU action to protect civic space. The 15 March protest in Belgrade, sparked by the fatal infrastructure collapse
Read more →The arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and key opposition figures has sparked one of the largest protest waves in Turkey in recent years, marking a dangerous turn toward authoritarianism. The move, seen as an attempt by President Erdoğan to eliminate his strongest rival ahead of the 2028 elections, involved politicised judicial action and media
Read more →At the high-level conference “EU Enlargement and Societal Transformation in the Western Balkans: Civil Society and Youth Engagement for Democratic Resilience” hosted by the College of Europe on 13 March in Tirana, BCSDN Executive Director Biljana Spasovska joined a panel alongside Commissioner Marta Kos and other key speakers to discuss the role of civil society
Read more →The Civil Liberties Union for Europe (Liberties) has released its sixth annual Rule of Law Report, providing a civil society-led shadow assessment of developments in the EU during 2024. Covering 21 countries and drawing on over 40 local partner contributions, the report highlights persistent structural deficiencies, including politicised justice systems, corruption, media interference, and shrinking
Read more →A recent study by the Belgrade Center for Security Policies explores the protection mechanisms available to human rights defenders in six countries: Colombia, Mexico, DR Congo, the Philippines, Turkey, and Serbia. Despite the existence of legal and institutional tools at international and national levels, the study finds that defenders remain exposed to serious threats, including
Read more →The Council of Europe’s Safety of Journalists Platform has published its 2024 report, raising the alarm over Serbia’s persistent culture of impunity in attacks against journalists. The report documents a year-long campaign of threats against Dinko Gruhonjić, a journalist and media studies professor, highlighting 15 incidents including death threats, harassment, and institutional pressure—all without legal
Read more →In an interview for CIVICUS Lens, Taulant Hoxha, Executive Director of the Kosovar Civil Society Foundation (KCSF), reflects on the critical role of civil society in Kosovo following the February 2025 elections. With Vetëvendosje! winning the most seats but falling short of a majority, Kosovo now faces a period of fragile coalition negotiations and rising
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