We are pleased to present BCSDN’s 15th analysis of the European Commission’s annual reports on civil society development and dialogue with public institutions in the Western Balkans and Türkiye (WBT). Since 2013, this analysis has been based on the BCSDN Monitoring Matrix on Enabling Environment for Civil Society Development—a framework created by BCSDN members and partners defining the principles and standards for an enabling environment. This year, we apply an updated methodology featuring indicators tailored to current realities, digital trends, and emerging threats to civic space.
Our analysis emphasizes the urgent need for clear benchmarks to address the challenges facing civil society in the region. While the European Commission’s reports provide valuable insights, they often underrepresent the nuanced challenges CSOs face. Civil society continues to be screened within the Political criteria as one of the four pillars of Democracy. Yet, again, the evaluations vary across countries and in the extent to which they capture the critical elements affecting civil society health in each of the countries.
Key findings from this year’s analysis include:
Basic Guarantees to Freedoms
While frameworks for freedom of association, assembly, and expression in the region largely align with international standards, CSOs continue to face practical challenges in constrained environments across several countries. The EC fails to adequately address significant concerns:
- Serbia: the situation has never been as critical and concerning as it is this year, given the government’s escalating actions against those who voice criticism.
- Montenegro: Hate speech and political rhetoric target marginalized groups
- BiH: Persistent chilling effects and threats to activists in Republika Srpska continue, despite the withdrawal of the ‘foreign agents’ law.
- AML/CFT regulations adverse impact over CSOs across the Western Balkans
- SLAPPs (strategic lawsuits against public participation) are on the rise in Serbia, BiH, and North Macedonia, not only targeting journalists but increasingly CSOs and activists, discouraging activism and fostering self-censorship.
Financial Viability and Sustainability
There are persistent challenges to the financial viability and sustainability of CSOs in the region, including insufficient public funding, inconsistent tax frameworks, and limited philanthropic incentives. Still, EC misses key barriers in this area:
- Inconsistent or inadequate application of VAT exemptions and tax incentives in Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro.
- Transparency in the distribution of public funding and non-financial state support is a key finding in most of the WBT countries
- Although human resources are critical for CSO sustainability, both employment and volunteering laws often lack tailored incentives and support, undermining the growth of human capital within CSOs.
CSO-Government Cooperation
Collaboration is hampered by underfunded cooperation mechanisms, ineffective Councils, superficial consultations, and inconsistent implementation of civil society strategies. Consultation frameworks are mentioned but often described superficially:
- BiH advanced notably in 2023, initiating the drafting of its first national Strategy for an Enabling Environment for Civil Society Development, targeting adoption by 2024.
- The boycott of the Council for Cooperation between the Government and Civil Society in North Macedonia continues for over two years, prompted by concerns over trust, transparency, and fair representation.
- Montenegro: the lack of CSO interest for participation in the Council comes from the Anti-corruption Law’s interpretation, equating CSO representatives in such bodies with public officials, prompting reporting and administrative burdens.
- CSO-state collaboration in service provision remains underdeveloped across the region.
Moving Forward
After a decade of stagnation, the EU has a chance to reignite its transformative role with the new European Commission, ensuring civil society in enlargement countries becomes a democratic force rooted in EU values. Civil society is crucial for reforms required for EU membership, and addressing its challenges signals genuine EU commitment to the region’s integration. To empower CSOs, the EU must set benchmarks for safeguarding freedoms, ensure financial sustainability through transparent funding, supportive tax and fiscal framework, and harmonized AML/CFT measures, and foster inclusive consultations. Tackling SLAPPs, restrictive foreign-agent narratives, and opaque funding while adopting tools like the Anti-SLAPP directive would reinforce civil society’s role in democratic reforms and the enlargement process. Enhanced consultation mechanisms would further strengthen government-CSO cooperation, enabling effective advocacy and reform efforts.
Interested in reading more? Find the full report HERE.