News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The SafeJournalists Network has expressed deep concern over the repeated obstruction of journalists’ access to the Albanian Parliament, highlighted by a recent incident on October 17, when journalists were denied entry by the Republic Guard, preventing them from covering parliamentary activities, including filming deputies arriving amid rising tensions. This obstruction is part of a troubling
Read more →The BIRN report, “Open Data and Digitalisation in the Western Balkans: The State of Play,” highlights significant challenges in the implementation of e-government services across the region. Despite the global trend toward digital government, political will and institutional capacity are lacking in the Balkans, limiting access to public services. Countries like Serbia, Albania, and Montenegro
Read more →The ICSC’s Annual Online “Global Perspectives” Conference will address the increasing complexity and distrust in today’s world. It invites participants worldwide to explore the critical role of CSOs in uniting communities and amplifying vulnerable voices. Amid the rise of misinformation and rapid technological change, attendees will engage in discussions on how CSOs can restore trust
Read more →Civic Charge 2025 is an innovative online accelerator launched by Accountability Lab to support social accountability change agents eager to enhance their governance initiatives. Building on the success of the Accountability Incubator, which has empowered over 300 young activists across 12 countries since 2015, this program fosters a global learning community for individuals already engaged
Read more →The AidWatch 2024 report delivered by CONCORD highlights the critical condition of European Official Development Assistance (ODA), revealing significant shortfalls in meeting long-standing commitments. In 2023, ODA from EU Member States totaled 82.4 billion EUR, or 0.51% of Gross National Income (GNI), falling far below the 0.7% target established decades ago. Alarmingly, over 18.9 billion
Read more →Target group: CSOs from the Global South countries, particularly those with restricted civic space. Organizations advancing inclusive democracy and representing historically excluded groups, such as rural communities, indigenous peoples, women, youth, and the LGBT+ community. Aim: To strengthen the organizing, advocacy, and campaign capacities of CSOs through digital solutions. To support pilot projects that increase
Read more →Target group: CSOs in the Western Balkans Six (WB6): Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Aim: To support peacebuilding, reconciliation, youth empowerment, and societal engagement in the Western Balkans. Also, to promote regional cooperation, intercultural learning, dialogue, and mutual understanding among youth in the region. Amount: Total funding of 300 000 EUR.
Read more →Target group: Media outlets from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Serbia, and Slovakia. Aim: Engage audiences in reporting, fostering trust and addressing underreported issues, with a focus on marginalized communities, youth, and women. Amount: Up to 4 000 EUR for individual stories, and up to 8 000 EUR
Read more →Target group: CSOs in the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia), working in youth engagement, entrepreneurship, rural development, environmental sustainability, cultural heritage, and community development. Aim: To support the Western Balkans integration into the EU by fostering democratic, economic, social, and cultural growth, and to empower CSOs through sub-grants
Read more →Target group: Non-profit initiatives by individuals, CSOs, and private companies registered in the EU Countries: EU member states Short Description: This prize rewards innovative initiatives combating harmful polarisation in European society, promoting European identity and shared values. The total prize is 50 000 EUR, shared among up to five winners. Duration: N/A Link to more
Read more →Target group: Undergraduate students from all higher education institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina Countries: BiH Short Description: This nine-month program, supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) since 2012, aims to educate students on democratic principles, human rights, and active citizenship. It encourages critical thinking on sensitive topics and develops communication and research skills
Read more →Target group: Experienced community leaders aged 26-39 working in community development, democracy and human rights, environment, peace and conflict resolution, or women and gender issues. Countries: Select countries across Africa, East Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere. Short Description: CSP is a year-long
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