At least 25 cases of satellite navigation interference have been recorded affecting Serbia over the past four years, several coinciding with major anti-government protests, elections and other politically sensitive events. The incidents include GPS jamming and “spoofing”, which transmits false navigation data to affected systems. During protests in Belgrade in May 2026, interference forced drones documenting the demonstrations to land, while similar disruptions were detected during the major March 2025 protest. Fake signals also affected commercial flights, raising wider safety concerns. While 14 incidents most likely originated within Serbia, others were traced to neighbouring countries and Ukraine. Serbia’s telecommunications regulator…
Author: anja
SCiDEV highlighted concerns raised by European media freedom organisations over deteriorating media freedom and civic space in Albania during the Flamingo Revolution. Journalists have faced obstruction, attacks and police interference, while crowd-control measures and protest-related criminal procedures have raised concerns over proportionality, transparency and due process. Notably, 15 of the 27 threats and attacks recorded by the SafeJournalists Network in 2026 occurred in June and July. Journalists, activists, CSOs and environmental defenders have also been personally targeted and portrayed as paid, politically controlled or directed by foreign interests, fueling harassment and making public criticism and peaceful participation increasingly risky. The…
The Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) has called for urgent institutional action following serious online threats against journalist and columnist Erol Rizaov. The threats, posted in comments on his official Facebook page, included calls for violence and ethnically motivated insults. AJM submitted an urgent request to the Ministry of Interior, asking authorities to preserve digital evidence, identify those behind the accounts and determine whether the comments constitute criminal offences related to threats, incitement to violence or hate speech. Where such elements are established, AJM called for the cases to be immediately referred to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Stressing that…
Eko Straža addressed the European Parliament and other EU institutions over the detention of its founder, Bojan Simišić, warning that the case reflects a broader pattern of pressure on civil society activists and government critics in Serbia. Simišić was detained at the border and questioned by criminal police over alleged involvement in a “staged simulation” related to the reported use of a sonic weapon during peaceful protests. Referring to the European Parliament’s 8 July 2026 Resolution condemning intimidation of students, journalists and activists in Serbia, Eko Straža urged EU institutions to closely monitor the case and demand respect for freedom…
On 2 June, BCSDN member, the Macedonian Center for International Cooperation (MCIC) organised the first workshop aimed at improving implementation of the Code for CSOs, five years after its adoption. Bringing together Civica Mobilitas grantees, the workshop explored how stronger monitoring mechanisms can enhance accountability, transparency and public trust in civil society. Participants drew on the experience of the Journalists’ Code as a self-regulation model and worked to identify essential principles and standards for monitoring compliance. Discussions highlighted the need for a gradual approach, moving from basic legal obligations towards stronger accountability and participation standards. The process will continue through…
A new report on Good Practices of Civic Space Resilience explores how civil society in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia and Slovenia responds to democratic backsliding, political polarisation and growing legal, administrative and public pressure. Drawing on concrete country cases, the report shows that resilience goes beyond simply withstanding restrictions: it is the capacity to adapt, organise and continue defending democratic space under pressure. The practices demonstrate the importance of strategic communication, legal action, strong coalitions and networks, community mobilisation, digital and physical security, evidence-based advocacy and diversified funding. From rapid responses to attacks and disinformation to broad civic campaigns…
The Possible Now Summit, taking place in Kathmandu, Nepal, from 2–4 December 2026, will bring together people exploring new approaches to social change, solidarity and collective action. Emerging from the 2023 #ShiftThePower Global Summit in Bogotá, Possible Now seeks to connect innovative but often isolated practices and experiments into a broader ecosystem capable of challenging dominant systems. Rather than relying on imposed frameworks, it explores how new relationships, shared learning, collective sense-making and horizontal flows of resources and knowledge can create greater coherence across movements and geographies. Moving away from traditional expert presentations and plenary panels, the Kathmandu Summit will…
Philea’s legal mapping provides an overview of the regulatory and fiscal conditions in which foundations and philanthropy operate across Europe. Developed with national and international legal experts, the work looks at key aspects of the operating environment, including registration and reporting requirements, governance, economic activities and tax treatment, while also tracking wider legal and policy developments affecting philanthropy. The country profiles provide the evidence base for the Comparative Highlights of Foundation Laws, which allows trends, differences and developments across Europe to be assessed comparatively. The mapping is intended to support philanthropic organisations, researchers and policymakers in understanding how regulatory frameworks…
The EFA European Fundraising Forum will bring together fundraisers, sector leaders and stakeholders on 19 November 2026 in Leuven to discuss developments shaping fundraising and philanthropy across Europe. The Forum will explore how regulation, technology and changing civic space are affecting fundraising, alongside questions of purpose, impact and long-term sustainability. Participants will exchange perspectives on emerging giving models, sector trends and strategic approaches to future fundraising. The event will also connect professionals involved in shaping fundraising standards, policy and practice across Europe. Read more here. Source: European Fundraising Association (EFA)
Target Group: CSOs, collectives and networks working with or for LGBTIQ+ communities.Aim: To support locally rooted advocacy and awareness-raising initiatives that advance LGBTIQ+ rights, visibility and inclusion, combat discrimination, influence policies and practices, and encourage informed public dialogue.Countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and SerbiaAmount: Up to EUR 9,000Duration: Up to 10 months, starting in October 2026Deadline: 25 August 2026, 23:59 CESTLink to more information (ERA – LGBTI Equal Rights Association for the Western Balkans and Türkiye)