What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

CfA: CAN Europe Western Balkans Youth Climate Forum 2024 (Deadline: 20 September)

Target group: Young participants from the Western Balkans Six countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia) Countries: Western Balkans Short Description: The Forum will bring together teams of young participants from the Western Balkans countries to explore critical topics related to climate and energy, climate diplomacy and climate negotiations. The program

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Civic Initiatives Report on SLAPPs in Serbia: Silencing Voices, Tactics Used, and Response Recommendations

BCSDN member Civic Initiatives has released a report addressing Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) in Serbia and their effect on freedom of expression. SLAPPs are tactics employed by powerful entities like politicians and private companies to intimidate and silence critics through prolonged and costly legal battles. The report reviews Serbia’s legal framework, examines the

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Civil Society and Think Tank Forum (9-11 October): Shaping the Future of the Berlin Process and Regional Cooperation

The 2024 Civil Society and Think Tank Forum, marking the Berlin Process’s 10th anniversary, will take place in Berlin from October 9-11. Organized by the Southeast Europe Association and the Aspen Institute Germany, the forum will gather over 115 organizations from the Western Balkans and the EU to discuss policy recommendations and shape the future

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KoneKtor – Philanthropy East Forum, Dialogue, Democracy and Diversity, Prague (23-25 September)

The 2024 KoneKtor – Philanthropy East Forum, formerly the Grantmakers East Forum, will take place in Prague from September 23-25. Titled “Dialogue, Democracy, and Diversity,” this year’s event, hosted by Porticus, aims to tackle pressing issues of polarization, fractured communities, and distrust. As democracy and civil society face ongoing threats, the forum will explore the

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Report: A Larger and Reformed European Union #EU30+

The geopolitical urgency to complete the EU enlargement is undeniable and will persist, presenting significant challenges and implications for both the EU and aspiring member states. As the EU enters a new legislative term, it must address these challenges by exploring necessary reforms and developing a realistic plan for expanding to 30+ members. This report

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Serbian CSOs Urge Government to End Repression Against CSOs and Activists, and Respect Basic Freedoms

Serbian CSOs, including BCSDN member Civic Initiatives, have urged the Serbian government to end repression against CSOs and activists. This follows the government’s recent attacks on civic space after the controversial Serbia-EU Rio Tinto deal on lithium mining, which disregarded public opinion and led to widespread protests. The government is accused of detaining activists, conducting

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Report: Weaponizing Influence: How Russia’s and China’s Soft Power Clashes Serbia’s Civil Society using Lithium Controversies

In response to recent events in Serbia, including the arrests and detentions of environmental activists and a coordinated campaign against CSOs by government representatives and allied media, Civic Initiatives has released a detailed analysis. This analysis explores the repressive mechanisms increasingly employed in Serbia and highlights how protests against lithium mining represent broader demands for

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Albania: Police Threaten Journalists with Criminal Charges Over Critical Reporting

On 14 August, the Police Director General verbally attacked journalists during a press conference over critical reporting of an assault in Pogradec that led to a citizen’s death. Media reports had highlighted family’s concerns about delays in emergency services and police response, accusing the investigation of being incomplete. The Police Director General dismissed these concerns

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Bulgaria: Rallies After President Backs Anti-LGBTQ+ Law Change

On 16 August, rival protests occurred in Sofia after Bulgarian President Radev endorsed a legislative amendment banning LGBTQ+ “propaganda” and “gender ideology” in schools, backed by the far-right pro-Moscow Revival party. Despite appeals from over 6,000 people and 70 organizations to veto the law, President Radev signed it, intensifying Bulgaria’s political divide. Approximately 2,000 people

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North Macedonia: Most Municipal CSO Funds Allocated to Sports Associations

An MCIC analysis reveals that Macedonian municipalities allocated 290.6 million MKD (about 4.7 million EUR) to CSOs, with a significant portion directed toward sports associations. The Southeastern region of the country led with 42 million MKD, primarily supporting sports and cultural activities, followed by the Eastern, Northeastern, and Vardar regions. Despite its larger population, the

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Turkey: Rising Demands to End Journalist Harassment After Reporter’s Sentence Upheld

International and Turkish media and rights organizations have called on Turkey to cease its harassment of journalists following a court’s decision to uphold a 20-month prison sentence for journalist Bulent Mumay. The joint letter condemned the verdict as a severe attack on press freedom, emphasizing that the charges against Mumay, which include “illegally obtaining or

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Guidebook for CSOs Networking at the Local Level (North Macedonia)

This guidebook provides practical advice on forming and managing local civil society networks in North Macedonia. It covers topics like defining a shared vision, establishing membership criteria, setting up governance structures, and securing legal status. The guide highlights how these networks unite individuals and organizations to address social challenges and participate in decision-making processes. Key

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