In May 2026, BCSDN participated in two important gatherings in Brussels that brought together CSOs, policymakers, and democracy advocates from across Europe to discuss the future of civic space, democratic participation, and democratic resilience. BCSDN was represented by Marija Vishinova Shemova, Communications Coordinator and co-author of the Western Balkans chapter of the European Civic Forum (ECF) Civic Space Report.
European Civic Forum General Assembly: Strengthening Cooperation for Civic Space in Europe
BCSDN joined the Annual General Assembly of the European Civic Forum (ECF), where members from across Europe reviewed the network’s achievements, discussed strategic priorities for the coming years, and exchanged views on emerging challenges affecting civil society.
The discussions reflected growing concerns about shrinking civic space across Europe, including restrictive legislation, hostile political narratives, attacks on public participation, and increasing pressure on CSOs. Participants also explored ways to strengthen collective responses and solidarity among civil society actors in the face of challenges that increasingly transcend national borders.
Beyond governance and strategic planning, the Assembly provided a valuable opportunity to reconnect with partners from across Europe, exchange experiences, and reinforce a shared commitment to protecting democratic values, civic freedoms, and meaningful citizen participation.
Annual Civic Space Report Brings Civil Society Challenges to the European Parliament
Following the General Assembly, BCSDN participated in a policy discussion at the European Parliament centred on the findings of the European Civic Forum’s annual Civic Space Report. The event brought together Members of the European Parliament, civil society representatives, and international experts to discuss current challenges affecting civic space, democracy, and participation across Europe.
The discussion featured contributions from UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association Gina Romero, MEPs Raquel García Hermida-van der Walle and Fabienne Keller (Renew Europe), Rasmus Nordqvist and Benedetta Scuderi (Greens/EFA), and Ana Catarina Mendes (S&D), alongside representatives of European civil society networks. Speakers highlighted growing concerns over attacks on CSOs, restrictions on civic freedoms, and efforts to undermine the legitimacy and funding of independent civic actors. Raquel García MEP Hermida-van der Walle, Renew, notably stressed the importance of democratic resilience, meaningful civil society participation, and smart conditionality in EU policies—messages that closely align with BCSDN’s advocacy for stronger civic space safeguards, dedicated civil society support, and greater recognition of civil society’s role within the EU enlargement process. Participants also reflected on the broader implications of these trends for democratic governance, accountability, and fundamental rights across Europe.
A recurring message throughout the event was the importance of ensuring an enabling environment for civil society and safeguarding the role of independent organisations in promoting accountability, participation, and democratic resilience. Speakers also highlighted the need for stronger support mechanisms and policy frameworks that allow civil society to continue contributing to public debate and democratic processes.
BCSDN contributed to this year’s report through the Western Balkans chapter, co-authored by Marija Vishinova Shemova and Simona Mladenovska. By bringing evidence and perspectives from the region into European discussions, BCSDN continues to ensure that civic space developments in the Western Balkans are reflected in broader debates on democracy, enlargement, participation, and fundamental rights. Through its monitoring, research, and advocacy work, BCSDN remains committed to amplifying the voices of civil society from the region and strengthening their contribution to European policymaking processes.