News and updates from BCSDN and the region
In an opinion article, former Montenegrin Deputy Prime Minister Jovana Marović argues that Montenegro’s accession process is becoming a testing ground for the European Union’s future enlargement policy. It explores how the EU is seeking to reconcile the geopolitical imperative of enlargement with growing concerns over democratic backsliding after accession. A stronger role for EU
Read more →Representatives of banks, the National Bank, the Financial Intelligence Office and CSOs met in Skopje to discuss the implementation of the revised Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendation 8, which calls for a risk-based and proportionate approach to preventing the misuse of non-profit organizations for terrorist financing without restricting their legitimate work. Discussions focused on
Read more →More than 100 CSOs have addressed an open letter to the European Commission, expressing concern that proposed changes to the Better Regulation framework risk weakening evidence-based policymaking, transparency and democratic participation. The signatories argue that the reforms would disproportionately prioritize business interests by expanding urgency procedures, narrowing impact assessments, increasing reliance on targeted consultations and
Read more →During her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, reaffirmed that the country’s stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity are of strategic importance to the European Union. Meeting with members of the Presidency and political leaders, she stressed that sustained reforms remain the fastest path towards
Read more →More than 80 women from 12 local organizations gathered in Struga for the eighth annual Women’s Circles networking meeting, organized by Akcija Zdruzenska with the support of the Delegation of the European Union to North Macedonia, the Embassy of Sweden in Skopje, The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation and filia.die frauenstiftung. The event provided a safe
Read more →As CSOs face shrinking aid, growing funding inequalities and increasing pressure on civic space, stronger partnerships are needed to build resilience. Developed by the Global Solutions Lab as part of the Local Leadership Labs initiative, The Dialogue is a practical resource that helps funders and CSOs engage in open, trust-based conversations that challenge traditional power
Read more →The European Commission is expected to reallocate funding under the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans to countries demonstrating stronger reform performance. According to EU officials, Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia are set to benefit from the redistribution after making the most progress in implementing agreed reform agendas. In contrast, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Read more →Target Group: Individual investigative journalists or teams (up to three members) from the Western Balkans with proven investigative experience and a confirmed media outlet committed to publishing the story. Aim: To support in-depth, cross-border investigative journalism on issues of regional significance, focusing on environment, public space, civic rights and activists, decent work, and media. The
Read more →Target Group: Civil society organisations working on peace, dialogue and social cohesion in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Informal groups may apply in partnership with a registered organisation or fiscal host. Aim: To support innovative, small-scale initiatives that bridge societal divides, strengthen dialogue and social cohesion, respond to emerging
Read more →Target Group: Non-profit organisations, universities, research institutes and registered charities worldwide conducting research or developing innovative solutions to improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and human wellbeing. Aim: To support research and practical solutions that enhance indoor environmental quality, including indoor air quality, thermal comfort, ventilation, occupant health and wellbeing, and other innovations that create healthier
Read more →Target Group: Legally established CSOs in Serbia applying as a consortium, with at least three co-applicant CSOs from different regions of the country. The selected consortium will establish and operate the EU National Resource Centre (EUNRC), while also providing financial support to grassroots organisations and informal groups across Serbia. Aim: To strengthen Serbia’s EU integration
Read more →Target Group: CSOs, public authorities, intermediary organisations, victim support organisations, child protection organisations, equality bodies and other relevant stakeholders. Aim: To support projects preventing and combating gender-based violence and violence against children through prevention, protection, victim support, implementation of the VAW Directive and the Istanbul Convention, integrated child protection systems, and regranting to grassroots CSOs.
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