Albania’s “Flamingo Revolution,” which began in opposition to controversial tourism developments affecting protected natural areas, has evolved into a broader anti-government movement demanding political accountability. The latest protests escalated into clashes between demonstrators and police outside Parliament, while journalist Vjolanda Peca of Citizens.al was reportedly arrested while covering the demonstrations, prompting renewed concerns over media freedom. Meanwhile, a BIRN investigation has alleged that hundreds of fake social media accounts were used to amplify pro-government narratives, discredit protesters and influence public debate, raising further concerns about online manipulation during the ongoing protests. Read more here. Source: Balkan Insight
Author: anja
Recent civic mobilisations across the Western Balkans point to a broader shift from issue-specific protests towards demands for accountable governance, institutional transparency and democratic responsiveness. From the Novi Sad railway station tragedy and environmental protests against the Rio Tinto project in Serbia, to demonstrations over the Zvërnec–Narta development in Albania, anti-corruption protests in North Macedonia, environmental campaigns in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and long-standing demands for institutional reform in Montenegro, citizens are increasingly challenging not only individual government decisions but also the way public institutions exercise power. Despite their different triggers, these movements share common demands for transparency, meaningful public participation,…
A new research brief by People Powered synthesises findings from 66 studies across 24 countries, highlighting the positive impact of citizens’ assemblies on democratic participation and governance. The review finds that citizens’ assemblies strengthen participants’ political knowledge, deliberation skills and sense of political efficacy, while fostering dialogue across different viewpoints and reducing polarisation. Beyond individual participants, they can increase public trust, encourage civic engagement and support more inclusive, evidence-informed policymaking. The publication also includes practical recommendations and an interactive database to support policymakers, researchers and CSOs designing deliberative democratic processes. Read more here. Source: People Powered
The EU’s Growth Plan is reshaping the enlargement process by making financial support increasingly conditional on the delivery of measurable reforms rather than commitments alone. Through performance-based funding and Reform Agendas, the initiative strengthens the link between democratic reforms, gradual integration into the EU Single Market and eventual accession. At the halfway point of implementation, progress across the Western Balkans remains uneven. Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia are broadly advancing on their reform commitments, while Serbia, Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to face implementation delays, limiting their access to available funding. As discussions on the EU’s 2028–2034 budget begin,…
Target Group: Journalists and media outlets based in Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, including freelancers, newsroom journalists, multimedia teams and media organisations interested in cross-border reporting. Aim: To support original cross-border journalistic reporting from the Balkans through travel grants, editorial guidance and regional expertise, strengthening cooperation between the Visegrad region and the Balkans. Countries: Eligible applicants: Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia. Reporting destinations and BIRN support network: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro. Amount: EUR 2,500 per grant (up to 8 grants will be awarded). Duration: Projects must be completed by February 2027. Deadline: 7 August Link to…
Target Group: Individual investigative journalists or teams (up to three members) from the Western Balkans with proven investigative experience and a confirmed media outlet committed to publishing the story. Aim: To support in-depth, cross-border investigative journalism on issues of regional significance, focusing on environment, public space, civic rights and activists, decent work, and media. The call aims to strengthen accountability, transparency and public debate by supporting evidence-based reporting and independent journalism. Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Amount: EUR 2,000 (gross) per grant (up to seven grants available). Duration: Up to 6 months (expected start: mid-September 2026). Deadline: 15 August 2026.…
Target Group: Non-profit legal entities established in EU Member States (lead applicants). Co-applicants may be non-profit or for-profit legal entities (public or private), with for-profit entities eligible only in partnership with private non-profit organisations. Projects may be national or transnational. Aim: To protect, promote and raise awareness of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights by supporting CSOs. The call has two priorities: Raising awareness of and building capacity for the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (CERV-2026-CHAR-LITI-CHARTER); and Promoting an enabling civic space (CERV-2026-CHAR-LITI-CIVIC). Countries: EU Member States only (activities must take place in eligible EU Member States). Amount: Total call budget:…
Target Group: Legally registered non-governmental organisations, informal groups led by a registered NGO, and informal consortia of NGOs, educational institutions, local authorities and other legally registered entities led by a registered NGO. Applicants must have completed the AGREE training programme, be registered for at least two years, and be based in North Macedonia. Aim: To strengthen the capacities of local CSOs through sub-grants supporting gender equality, anti-discrimination, intercultural dialogue, prevention of peer gender-based violence against girls, networking, advocacy, research and local initiatives. Countries: North Macedonia Amount: Up to EUR 5,000 for a one-off activity or event. Up to EUR 10,000 for a project…
Target Group: CSOs working on peace, dialogue and social cohesion in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Informal groups may apply in partnership with a registered organisation or fiscal host. Aim: To support innovative, small-scale initiatives that bridge societal divides, strengthen dialogue and social cohesion, respond to emerging local challenges, or develop pilot actions, feasibility studies and proposals for larger funding opportunities. Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia Amount: Up to USD 4,500 (20 grants available) Duration: Activities must be completed by 1 November 2026 Deadline: Rolling basis until 2 November 2026 Link to more information…
Target Group: Legally established CSOs in Serbia applying as a consortium, with at least three co-applicant CSOs from different regions of the country. The selected consortium will establish and operate the EU National Resource Centre, while also providing financial support to grassroots organisations and informal groups across Serbia. Aim: To strengthen Serbia’s EU integration process by empowering civil society to actively participate in policymaking, monitor structural reforms, the Reform Agenda and the Growth Plan, and enhance advocacy, organisational sustainability and funding capacities. The EUNRC will provide tailored training, mentoring, coaching, policy support, networking opportunities, and substantial financial support to third parties,…