What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

Albania: Smear Campaign Targets SciDev Executive Director and OBCT Over Media Freedom Report

On October 6, the Albanian tabloid “Prapaskena” launched a smear campaign against Blerjana Bino, Executive Director of the Centre for Science and Innovation for Development (SciDev), accusing her of producing a biased media freedom report favoring former Prime Minister Sali Berisha. The report, created by SciDev and Osservatorio Balkani Caucaso Transeuropa, analyzed the Albanian media

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Serbia: KRIK’s Bojana Pavlović Addresses SLAPP Lawsuit Over Judicial Reporting

In a recent interview for Oštro, Bojana Pavlović from the Serbian investigative portal KRIK discussed the strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPPs) filed against her and editor Stevan Dojčinović by the Judge Dušanka Đorđević. The lawsuit stems from KRIK’s project “Prosudi ko sudi,” which profiles over 50 judges involved in criminal and corruption cases, including

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Albania: Violent Anti-Government Protests Erupt in Tirana

On October 7, violent anti-government protests erupted in Tirana in response to the imprisonment of opposition MP Ervin Salianji. Protesters threw Molotov cocktails at key government buildings, including the prime minister’s office and the headquarters of the ruling Socialist Party. Clashes with police occurred outside parliament, where law enforcement used tear gas to control the

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Save the Date: BCSDN Virtual Event – Countering Foreign Agents Laws and Narratives with Dynamic Accountability (6 & 8 November)

As part of Global Accountability Week (GAW) 2024, we are pleased to invite you to a regional event to discuss the growing concern how accountability is used as a premises to restrict the civic space and portray civil society as foreign agents attempting to destabilize the country. This two-part event will explore practices in Hungary,

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Strengthening Civil Society: The Unseen Battle for the Future of NGOs and CBOs

The 2023 #ShiftThePower Global Summit in Bogotá underscored the need for a paradigm shift in how NGOs and community-based organizations (CBOs) are funded and supported. Traditional transactional relationships between funders and grantees are being challenged, as organizations push for flexible, unrestricted funding and non-monetary support. Key issues explored include the importance of strategic planning, the

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Philanthropic Organizations and Impact Investors Urge Policymakers to Expand Investment Opportunities

On the European Day of Foundations and Donors, Philea and Impact Europe presented recommendations for policymakers to enhance impact investments and collaboration. They emphasize the need for diverse actors to address complex societal challenges, advocating for the use of private, public, and philanthropic resources. The recommendations, launched in the European Parliament, call for enabling impact

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CfP: 1st Call for Proposals under Cross-border Cooperation Programme Serbia – North Macedonia for 2021-2027 under the IPA III, allocations 2022 and 2024 (Deadline: 22 October)

Target group: Non-profits, public institutions (local governments, tourism boards, cultural institutions, CSOs, etc.) from Serbia and North Macedonia Aim: This call for proposals aims to foster cross-border cooperation between Serbia and North Macedonia. Amount: Total of 5.4 million EUR, divided into two specific objectives: SO 1.1: 3 million EUR for social and cultural inclusion and

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CfP: NHC Catalysts of Change for CSOs in RO, BG, HR, SI, PT (Deadline: 22 October)

Target group: CSOs in Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia, and Portugal, focused on women’s rights, environmental justice, and anti-corruption. Aim: Strengthen grassroots CSOs through coalition building, advocacy, and enhanced capacity in monitoring and influencing policies at local, national, and EU levels. Amount: 30 000 – 40 000 EUR per grant Duration: 12-18 months Deadline: 22 October Link to

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CfP: IJ4EU Fund – Cross-border Investigations Grants in Europe (Deadline: 28 October)

Target group: Newsrooms, journalistic teams, and freelance journalists based in at least two European countries, both EU and non-EU. Aim: Support cross-border investigative journalism by providing funding and additional support (mentoring, training, legal assistance) for ambitious projects on topics of cross-border relevance. Amount: Investigation Support Scheme: Up to 50 000 EUR for newsrooms and investigative

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CfP: Civic Initiatives Call for Encouraging Participation and Representation of Albanian Youth (Deadline: 31 October)

Target group: Local organizations, encouraging the participation and representation of Albanian youth in Preševo and Bujanovac. Aim: By empowering local organizations to leverage their community connections and understanding of local challenges and needs, the call aims to create an environment where Albanian youth actively engage in social events and where their voices are heard and respected. Amount: The

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CfP: BIRN Audience-Engaged Journalism Grants for Media in the Balkans and Visegrad (Deadline: 27 November)

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

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