News and updates from BCSDN and the region
United Media (UM) has alerted the international community to escalating attacks on independent media in Serbia. In a letter to European officials, organizations protecting press freedom, and diplomats, UM highlighted the targeting of the outlets—N1, Nova, Danas, and Radar—by government officials, pro-regime media, and political figures. The attacks intensified following UM’s coverage of lithium mining
Read more →In September, Albania became the 36th member of the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats (Hybrid CoE), aiming to enhance its ability to address hybrid threats like cyberattacks and disinformation. The Albanian Parliament ratified the membership with overwhelming support, designating the National Authority for Cyber Security as the national representative. SCiDEV welcomes Albania’s
Read more →The international media freedom mission to Croatia has underscored significant challenges regarding media law reform, transparency in state advertising, and journalist safety, including the threats posed by Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). Conducted between September 9 and 20, the mission involved meetings with various governmental and media organizations. Critics have expressed concerns over the
Read more →The #ShiftThePower Fellowship initiated by the Global Fund for Community Foundations (GFCF) aims to explore issues of power and build networks among change-makers. Launched to foster relationships and deepen the #ShiftThePower movement, the fellowship emphasizes community philanthropy and participatory practices. The first two cohorts engaged in discussions and reflections on vital topics, including capacity building
Read more →The OECD synthesis report highlights the growing commitment of providers to support locally-led development, where local actors play a key role in framing, designing, delivering, learning, and ensuring accountability. The report offers a comprehensive overview of these efforts, examining how provider systems—through policies, financing mechanisms, partnerships, and management processes—can either enhance or limit local agencies.
Read more →In September, the OECD Network of Foundations Working for Development (OECD netFWD) and WINGS issued a statement emphasizing the vital role of private philanthropy in the United Nations’ Summit of the Future. They highlighted that private philanthropic funding for development reached 42 billion USD from 2016 to 2019, crucially supporting efforts to alleviate poverty and
Read more →A 2020 OECD study reveals that less than 10% of bilateral donor funding for CSOs reaches the Global South, with the majority directed to Northern CSOs and or to large International Non-Government Organisations (INGOs). This practice, which has persisted for decades, stems from a historical reliance on Northern organizations for citizen engagement in development. While
Read more →Target group: CSOs and CSO networks in Albania, BiH, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Aim: Strengthen participatory democracies and Euro-Atlantic integrations by supporting CSOs in Security & Stability and Governance projects. Amount: 8 223 685 NOK (708 938 EUR) total, with at least 33 grants awarded Duration: 6-8 months Deadline: 21 October Link to
Read more →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
Read more →Target group: Cross-border teams of at least two professional journalists and/or news outlets to conduct investigations into environmental affairs related to Europe (all the countries, not only the EU). Aim: Investigate environmental issues that involve European affairs or compare local environmental policies between regions. Amount:The total available amount per call to be distributed among all supported
Read more →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
Read more →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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