A broad coalition of civil society, media freedom, and human rights organisations has expressed concern over the public targeting of Kristina Voko, Executive Director of BIRN Albania, by Albanian MP Ardit Bido following her intervention during a parliamentary hearing. The signatories argue that a legitimate contribution concerning the legal obligations of the public broadcaster was subsequently misrepresented through rhetoric portraying critical voices as linked to foreign interests and questioning ethnic identity. The organisations warn that such attacks risk undermining civil society participation, media freedom, and public debate, particularly when directed at individuals engaging in parliamentary oversight processes. They further stress…
Author: anja
In a major interview published by EUobserver, Natacha Kazatchkine, Secretary General of the European Civic Forum (ECF), warns that a coordinated effort — including through the European Parliament’s EPP-driven Scrutiny Working Group on NGO financing is starving civil society of funding, legitimacy, and space to defend democratic values. Kazatchkine identifies three converging threats: legislation targeting foreign-funded NGOs with deeply stigmatizing effects; growing restrictions on the right to protest; and the criminalization of solidarity with migrants. She argues that the EU’s recently adopted CSO Strategy must be backed by proactive policymaking rather than remaining a standalone document detached from broader democratic…
A coalition of ten press and media freedom organizations — coordinated by the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) has written to EU Ministers for European Affairs calling for the suspension of EU funds to Serbia in response to an accelerating spiral of violence against journalists. The letter documents a 367% increase in physical attacks on journalists in 2025 alone, with only three convictions secured, and highlights a March 2026 state-coordinated smear campaign identifying 45 journalists as ‘enemies of the state’ and explicitly referencing past journalist murders. The organizations warn that unless urgent EU-level political action is taken, grave or deadly…
A recently published analysis by BCSDN member CNVOS offers a detailed, fact-based rebuttal to government proposals to abolish the national Fund for the Development of NGOs, following a minister’s statement that 1% income-tax donations could replace it. The analysis demonstrates that the fund — which has distributed EUR 69 million to 558 organizations and leveraged EUR79 million in EU funds since 2018 — is structurally irreplaceable by market-based donation mechanisms: the Ljubljana Fire Fighters’ Association collected just EUR21,305 in 1% donations in 2024, compared to EUR100,000 from the fund. The case is instructive for CSOs across the region facing arguments…
CSOs and human rights advocates have raised concerns over proposed provisions reportedly included in Türkiye’s upcoming 12th Judicial Package. According to reporting by Kaos GL, a leading Turkish LGBTI+ rights organisation and media platform, the draft would introduce new restrictions affecting LGBTI+ individuals, including changes to gender affirmation procedures and provisions that rights groups argue could criminalise aspects of LGBTI+ expression, assembly, and advocacy. The proposals have prompted criticism from CSOs, which warn that the measures may undermine fundamental rights, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly, while further restricting civic space. Similar provisions were previously removed from earlier judicial…
Negotiations on the EU’s 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) have intensified following a proposal by the Cyprus Presidency to reduce the European Commission’s nearly EUR 2 trillion budget proposal by 2%. While southern and eastern Member States have largely welcomed the proposal, particularly the protection of agricultural and regional funding, fiscally conservative countries led by Germany and the Netherlands argue that deeper cuts are needed. The debate reflects broader disagreements over future EU priorities, including support for competitiveness, defence, cohesion policy, and external action. The outcome of the negotiations will be particularly relevant for enlargement countries and CSOs, as it…
A recent analysis highlights the growing importance of participatory and ethical storytelling in development and humanitarian work. The article argues that traditional approaches often portray communities through narrow, deficit-based narratives, while excluding them from shaping how their experiences are represented. Instead, it advocates for storytelling that is developed with communities rather than about them, recognising lived experience as expertise and strengthening trust, accountability, and public engagement. The analysis further stresses that narratives influence policy priorities, programme design, and public perceptions, making inclusive and context-sensitive communication an important component of effective development practice. As discussions on localisation and decolonisation continue, the…
Target Group: Small media outlets and CSOs owning media outlets in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, with annual turnover below EUR 100,000 and fewer than seven employees. Aim: To support the production of high-quality, independent, fact-based journalism, including investigative and in-depth reporting, multimedia content, and audience engagement initiatives that strengthen media freedom and counter disinformation. Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia Amount: Up to EUR 7,000 per grant (covering up to 100% of eligible project costs) Duration: Up to 12 months Deadline: 25 June, 23:59 Link to more information (JournallFT)
Target Group: Non-governmental organisations working on gender-based violence, gender equality, and human rights in Montenegro, with particular encouragement for organisations supporting women from marginalised groups and local community-based organisations. Aim: To support initiatives focused on rehabilitation, reintegration, protection, and support services for survivors of violence, as part of the project “Institutionalisation of Quality Services for Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Victims of Violence II”. Country: Montenegro Amount: EUR 4,000 per subgrant (total fund available: EUR 12,000; 3 grants to be awarded) Duration: 4–6 months Deadline: 6 July. Link to more information (Women’s Rights Centre)
Target Group: CSOs and civil society actors in North Macedonia eligible for project partnership funding from the French Embassy. Aim: To support civil society projects aligned with French-Macedonian cooperation priorities, including democracy, cultural dialogue, and community development. Countries: North Macedonia Amount: Should not exceed EUR 5,000 and may represent no more than 75% of the total project budget. Duration: Max 12 months. Deadline: 15 July Link to more information (French Embassy in North Macedonia)