News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The Second European Anti-SLAPP Conference, held on November 14 at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, addressed the growing threat of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) and their misuse to suppress public participation and freedom of expression. Co-organized by the CoE, CASE, and ECPMF, the event focused on implementing key frameworks such as the
Read more →In Albania, journalists face increasing pressure from a complex triangle involving media, politics, and business interests, which undermines free press and public accountability. Journalists struggle with precarious working conditions and lack of legal protections, leading to self-censorship. Women journalists, in particular, deal with sexual harassment, underreporting of wages, and limited social security benefits. Legal threats,
Read more →Journalist Nataša Miljanović Zubac of RTRS has faced escalating threats, including arson, death threats, and intimidation, since 2022. Despite police measures, protection remains inadequate as none of the eight reported incidents have led to prosecutions. Recent threats include chilling messages that underscore her unsafe working conditions and limited movement. The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR)
Read more →Press freedom organizations have condemned four incidents of violence and intimidation against journalists during Bulgaria’s parliamentary elections on October 27. These attacks included threats, obstruction, and physical violence, with one bTV camera operator. The perpetrators, supporters of the DPS-New Beginning coalition, were detained by police. Press advocates demand thorough investigations, accountability for attackers, and disciplinary
Read more →Aleksandar Vulin’s party has proposed a draft law in Serbia to create a registry for “agents of foreign influence”, targeting NGOs and organizations receiving over half of their funding from foreign entities within a year. The proposal identifies these “agents” as groups engaged in political activities perceived to threaten democracy, Serbia’s integrity, or incite hate.
Read more →Foundations and nonprofits can use communication to foster community, trust, and connection in an era of social division. The Barr Foundation’s journey highlights a shift from anonymity to embracing transparency, mission-driven storytelling, and values-led actions. Central practices include prioritizing relationships and trust, aligning words with meaningful actions, and empowering partners through communications capacity building. By
Read more →The recently published book “The INGO Problem: Power, Privilege, and Renewal” by Deborah Doane examines the dominance of INGOs in the civil society ecosystem. Despite controlling vast resources, INGOs often marginalize local actors, relegating them to sub-contractor roles or competing by establishing their own “local” branches. However, INGOs face increasing scrutiny and decline due to
Read more →The shrinking civic space in the Western Balkans poses significant challenges for activists and progressive organizations, particularly in the face of security risks, legal threats, and limited funding. To better support them, PeaceNexus commissioned research to identify available emergency resources and to explore how funders approach these challenges. The report maps the most common types
Read more →Target group: International NGOs, umbrella NGOs, coalitions, or networks with expertise in democracy, human rights, or rule of law, and experience in cooperation with the Council of Europe. Aim: Strengthen democratic culture, enhance citizen engagement in decision-making, and raise awareness about the CoE’s work and its standards, particularly in the context of the Reykjavik Principles for
Read more →Target group: Young civic educators (under 35), young NGOs (under 3 years) Aim: The fund supports innovative civic education projects that enhance democratic participation, strengthen competencies, and promote resilience and collaboration. Targeting young civic educators and NGOs, it encourages inclusive, interdisciplinary, and transnational approaches to foster active citizenship and sustainable democracies in Europe. Amount: 10 000
Read more →Target group: Institutions and organizations operating in the cross-border region of Kosovo and North Macedonia. Aim: To foster cooperation in the cross-border region, strengthen good neighbourly relations, support EU integration, and promote social, economic, and territorial development through environmental protection, resource preservation, and business competitiveness. Amount: LOT 1 – from 300 000 to 700 000
Read more →Target group: CSOs based in Eastern and Pelagonia regions in N. Macedonia, registered for at least two years, with a focus on women’s rights and gender equality. Aim: To strengthen women’s influence on policy planning and decision-making at local and national levels through local actions. Amount: Total fund of 25 000 EUR Duration: 18 months (January
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