The Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN) has welcomed the EU’s first-ever Strategy for Civil Society, praising the inclusion of civil society input and recognition of enlargement countries as part of a shared civic space with EU Member States. The network called for stronger commitments to align the strategy’s goals with accession contexts. BCSDN highlighted the strategy’s focus on structured CSO participation, civic space monitoring, sustainable funding, and EU-level dialogue, noting that many of its long-standing advocacy priorities were reflected. The inclusion of human rights defenders alongside formal organizations was also welcomed, emphasizing the importance of a diverse and dynamic civil society. The strategy’s acknowledgment of threats to CSOs, including SLAPPs and disinformation campaigns, and measures to address them, were praised. Read more here.
Source: BCSDN; EC
