BCSDN held its Annual Council Meeting on 28 April 2026, bringing together network’s members and the Executive Office team to adopt key documents and outline priorities for the period ahead.
The Council adopted the 2025 narrative report, financial report, audit report, and the 2026 annual plan, confirming the continued relevance of BCSDN’s work in a challenging civic space environment.
The discussion highlighted that in 2025 civic space restrictions continued across the region, often through more subtle and cumulative pressures, including administrative barriers, shrinking funding, and limited participation in policymaking, as well as international donors’ funding cuts. In response, BCSDN strengthened its role in translating national developments into regional and policy-relevant evidence, while further positioning civic space within EU enlargement, rule of law, and funding discussions.
Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening the link between monitoring and action, including more coordinated responses to emerging developments, as well as follow-up work on key areas such as SLAPPs and the integration of a gender perspective into monitoring. The network also continued to expand its engagement at European and global level, contributing to key platforms and policy processes.
The Council also reflected on lessons learned and areas to further strengthen the network’s work.
Looking ahead, the 2026 plan focuses on maintaining BCSDN’s core work, including the Monitoring Matrix cycle, advocacy and policy engagement, and contributions to EU and international processes. The network will also continue developing and refining its approaches to monitoring and response, including inovative responses, while strengthening coordination and engagement across the region.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue strengthening the network’s work and cooperation in the period ahead, contributing to more enabling civil society environment in the Balkans.