BCSDN has released its 14th analysis of the European Commission’s annual reports assessing civil society development in the Western Balkans and Türkiye. The largest ever Enlargement Package seems to show reinvigorated energy and greater prospects for accession than in the last decade, in spite of growing challenges such as political polarization and shrinking space for civil society. BCSDN’s analysis focuses on how the EC has assessed the environment of civil society in the Enlargement countries, comparing it with our Monitoring Matrix findings. The Commission acknowledges the crucial role of civil society in the Western Balkans and Türkiye’s accession, but highlights…
Author: anja
The Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN) has released its 14th analysis of the European Commission’s annual reports assessing civil society development in the Western Balkans and Türkiye. The largest ever Enlargement Package seems to show reinvigorated energy and greater prospects for accession than in the last decade, in spite of growing challenges such as political polarization and shrinking space for civil society. BCSDN’s analysis focuses on how the EC has assessed the environment of civil society in the Enlargement countries, comparing it with our Monitoring Matrix findings. The European Commission recognizes the crucial role of a free and empowered…
BCSDN joined over 80 CSOs and 180 individuals worldwide to endorse a statement urging the United Nations to appoint a Special Rapporteur on Democracy. The joint appeal, ahead of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, emphasizes the interdependence of democracy and human rights. It specifies that the proposed Rapporteur, created by the UN’s Human Rights Council, would investigate the global state of democracy, and authoritarianism, as well as that its mandate should be based on UN resolutions supporting democratic principles, deriving from the will of the people. Read more here. Source: Democracy Without Borders
The European Commission has introduced a new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, aimed at extending EU membership benefits to the EU accession countries. The plan would enable the region to step up reforms and investments to accelerate the speed of the enlargement process and the growth of countries’ economies. It includes a proposed 6 billion EUR Reform and Growth Facility for 2024-2027, contingent on agreed reforms. It focuses on four pillars: enhancing economic integration with the EU’s single market, boosting regional economic integration, accelerating fundamental reforms, and increasing financial assistance. It anticipates doubling the Western Balkans’ economy in the…
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to address the challenges obstructing the achievement of UN SDGs and calls for a long-term EU political commitment beyond 2030. To accelerate progress, EESC advocates transitioning from a siloed to a holistic approach, involving various societal sectors and establishing a structured civil society dialogue. Key enablers suggested by the EESC include clear targets, timelines, and roadmaps, a coordinated plan for six transformative areas, multi-stakeholder partnerships, and empowering youth and women’s organizations. Additionally, the EU is urged to lead in promoting global commitment to the SDGs,…
In the face of challenges such as regulatory proliferation and threats to civil society space, Philea has actively advocated for the interests of foundations, striking a balance between security and capital flow. Progress has been made in recognizing the vital role of foundations and non-profit organizations, particularly in navigating OECD Common Reporting Standards. The European Commission’s proposal for a statute on the European cross-border association, initiated by the European Parliament, is a potential tool for foundations to form alliances across countries. This leads to considering what sectors expect from European institutions in the next five years, resulting in the need…
The CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE) and the Reality of Aid published the Private Sector Watch: Global Synthesis Report 2023. The report compiles national and subnational case studies from CPDE members worldwide. It examines the impact of Private Sector Engagement (PSE) on diverse sectors, including women, youth, workers, farmers, fisherfolk, and Indigenous Peoples. The report stresses the need to document the experiences of vulnerable populations, countering the one-sided financial and economic data often presented by governments and private institutions. The PS Watch is a monitoring mechanism for CSOs, holding both state and private entities accountable within the development cooperation…
BCSDN expresses concern over recent events jeopardizing freedom of expression and association in North Macedonia. In the most recent attack, a defamation lawsuit targeted the Investigative Reporting Lab (IRL), exemplifying a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) aiming to silence critical voices. The judge’s disconcerting statement, questioning IRL’s media status and limiting journalistic activities, sets a dangerous precedent. Operating under the National Law for Foundations and Associations, IRL faces severe limitations on public engagement, hindering awareness campaigns and outreach. The verdict not only diminishes the reputation of IRL’s editor, Ms. Sashka Cvetkovska, but also threatens the activities of various non-governmental…
BiH journalist Snezana Mitrovic, from N1 television, was attacked by Mr. Milorad Dodik, the President of Republika Srpska, during a press conference. In response, the Media Freedom Rapid Response consortium condemned Dodik’s behavior, urging a public apology and an end to intimidation of media. The consortium highlighted a history of Dodik’s pressure on journalists and warned of the recent aggressive rhetoric and potential state monitoring of media. This incident adds to a pattern of Dodik’s attacks on media and journalists, endangering media freedom in the region. The consortium called for a serious investigation into the claim of government surveillance of…
The Center for Science and Innovation for Development (SCiDEV) provided input during the consultation of the Roadmap on Chapter 23 “Judiciary and fundamental rights” – a strategic document of the Government of Albania responding to the European Commission screening report for Albania – focusing on the section III.G on “Freedom of Expression, Media Freedom, and Pluralism. SCiDEV input highlighting specific recommendations, including designating police contact points, publishing investigation results, and collecting data on cases involving journalists. The organization also advocates for decriminalizing defamation, revising penalties for attacks on journalists, and enhancing transparency in handling such cases. SCiDEV proposes measures for…