What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

BCSDN Concerns Over the Adoption of the Foreign Agents Law in Republika Srpska: Deepening Repression on Civil Society

BCSDN condemns the adoption of the “Foreign Agents Law” in the National Assembly of Republika Srpska, which forces non-profits receiving foreign funding to register as “foreign agents,” restricting their activities and undermining independent civil society. Passed without meaningful debate despite widespread opposition, the law expands government control over CSOs, intensifying repression alongside restrictive defamation laws.

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FRA Consultation 2024: Experiences of CSOs Working on Human Rights in the EU and in Selected Candidate countries (Deadline: 7 April)

The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) invites CSOs working on human rights in the EU and selected candidate countries to participate in its consultation, assessing the challenges faced by CSOs, their staff, and volunteers, as well as the support and protection they need. The consultation seeks experiences and suggestions on the general situation of

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European Parliament to Establish a Western Balkans Office in Tirana

The European Parliament will open an office in Tirana, Albania to strengthen engagement with the Western Balkans, enhancing ties with national parliaments, civil society, and local partners. The office will promote EU accession efforts, support democracy and institutional reforms, and assist with MEP visits. This move reflects the EU’s commitment to deepening cooperation with candidate

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Serbia: CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist Categorizes Civic Space as “Obstructed” amid Mass Protests and Crackdown on Civil Society

Serbia has been added to the CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist for the third time, categorized as “obstructed,” as authorities escalate repression against civil society amid mass protests following the deadly November 2024 collapse of a newly renovated train station in Novi Sad. Public outrage over corruption has fueled mass mobilizations across hundreds of cities, drawing up

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Albania: CSOs Call for EU Support Amid Funding Cuts and Growing Pressure on Civil Society

A group of Albanian CSOs, committed to democratic, social, and economic development, as well as the country’s European integration, including BCSDN member Partners Albania for Change and Development, call on EU institutions, member states, and civil society supporters to address the growing challenges threatening civil society’s essential role. The letter states that the withdrawal of

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CoE Europe Press Freedom Report 2024: Turkey and Serbia Among Europe’s Worst for Media Freedom

The Europe Press Freedom Report 2024, published by the Council of Europe, highlights persistent threats to media freedom across Europe, with Serbia and Turkey among the worst-performing countries. The report recorded 226 alerts on the CoE’s Platform for journalist protection, with Turkey registering 28 alerts and Serbia 20. The most common threats were attacks on

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Montenegro: SafeJournalists Condemn Attack on Woman Journalist

The SafeJournalists Network condemns the March 9th attack on journalist Dušanka Pejović from RTCG in Podgorica, where she was verbally assaulted and threatened outside her home. The attacker was swiftly arrested, and authorities confirmed the attack was linked to her journalistic work. While welcoming the police’s prompt response, SafeJournalists calls for a swift conviction and

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North Macedonia: Journalist Associations Condemn Targeted Attacks on Media and Press Freedom

In a letter, the Association of Journalists of Macedonia and the Independent Union of Journalists and Media Workers strongly condemn the public targeting of journalists by a former national television editor, who, through social media, has misused private photos to discredit them. They claim that journalists from media outlets such as the Investigative Reporting Lab,

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Solidarity Action Network Guide: “Safeguarding Civic Space: Harnessing Narrative Change to Restore Trust in CSOs”

The guide provided by the SANE network offers practical strategies for CSOs to counter shrinking civic space and rebuild public trust. Drawing on over a decade of experience, the guide provides evidence-based tools, case studies, and communication strategies to help CSOs respond to attack narratives and strengthen democratic principles. It highlights the role of narrative

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Philea: EU States to Enable Cross-Border Philanthropy Before Deadline

Philea warns that EU member states have only a few months left to implement the European Council’s recommendations on developing the social economy, which could eliminate key barriers to cross-border philanthropy. These hurdles include discriminatory tax treatment, restricted access to banking services, and growing restrictions on so-called foreign agents, a concern in countries such as

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