News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Target group: Representatives of CSOs and CSOs’ networks in North Macedonia Countries: North Macedonia Short Description: The CARGrow program aims to strengthen the capacities of CSOs to monitor the implementation of the Reform Agenda of the Republic of North Macedonia for 2024-2027. The program will facilitate the formation of an alliance of CSOs that will
Read more →Target group: Startups, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, social enterprises, non-profits, academic institutions, and municipalities. Countries: Western Balkans Short Description: BOOST: Urban Future Finance acceleration programme, powered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Europe and Central Asia, aims to identify, develop, and scale innovative financial solutions for urban transformation. The program will onboard
Read more →Target group: CSOs established at least 12 months prior to the application deadline Countries: North Macedonia Short Description: The Circular Economy Academy, part of the EU- funded project “Civil Society and Youth for Inclusive and Sustainable Development through Circular Economy in North Macedonia”, is a seven-month program designed for CSOs seeking to develop innovative ideas
Read more →Target group: Individuals passionate about cybersecurity and policymaking, particularly those interested in governance issues related to cyber violence and security Countries: Western Balkans Short Description: The Young Faces 2024-2025 educational programme provides a unique opportunity to learn about cybersecurity governance, focusing on the intersection of cybersecurity, cyber violence, and human rights. Participants will engage with
Read more →Target group: Non-profit initiatives by individuals, civil society organizations, 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
Read more →BCSDN, in a joint statement, strongly supports Serbian civil society, calling for an end to government repression and standing with activists defending democratic values and basic rights. Recent protests over corruption, environmental issues, and rigged elections—intensified by opposition to Rio Tinto’s mining plans—have faced government-led smear campaigns, intimidation, and arrests. In 10 days, 33 activists
Read more →EU is committed to promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, both within its member states and in candidate countries. These values are central to the EU’s enlargement policy, which prioritizes rule of law reforms, which features a “fundamentals first” approach. Recently, the EU has opened some of its key rule of law
Read more →Albania is set to open its first negotiating cluster with the EU on 15 October, marking a key step in its accession process. Meanwhile, North Macedonia is not expected to advance, even though it began its accession talks at the same time as Albania in 2022, facing delays due to Bulgaria’s likely veto over unresolved
Read more →In an open letter to key EU leaders, 415 CSOs from 26 Member States and 4 candidate countries urged prioritization of a vibrant civic space in the upcoming five years. They emphasize civil society’s vital role in democracy, human rights, and accountability but note a decline in civic freedoms, the rule of law, and democracy
Read more →The document addresses key questions regarding the European Cross-Border Associations (ECBA) Directive proposed by the European Commission and the following European Parliament resolution. It aims to clarify the Directive’s implications for civil society actors and outlines its potential to enhance cross-border cooperation among non-profit associations. The document was prepared by the informal coalition on the
Read more →A year after filing a criminal complaint regarding the misuse of millions of euros from public tenders by the Ministry of Family Care and Demography in Serbia, BCSDN member Civic Initiatives and members of the OKO Coalition demand updates from the Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime. The complaint, filed in September 2023, accuses former Minister
Read more →From September 18-20, the third regional conference, “Stronger Together: Journalists and the Judiciary Protect Media Freedoms,” was held in Mavrovo, North Macedonia, organized by the Association of Journalists in North Macedonia, Free Press Unlimited, and the Netherlands Helsinki Committee. Over 90 journalists, judges, and prosecutors gathered to address challenges to media freedom in the Western
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