BCSDN’s 18th Annual Council Meeting took place on March 20th in Vienna, Austria. Members and the Executive Office got together to review last year’s achievements, plan for the future and agree on new BCSDN Strategy 2024-2027 to address upcoming challenges. We are grateful to Peace Nexus and their support in creating inclusive space for strategic discussions, leading to a more focused approach on monitoring, evidence-based advocacy and enhancing stakeholder awareness and support for a more enabling environment.
The meeting started with presentation and adoption of BCSDN Annual repot noting significant milestones being achieved, notably enhancing the effectiveness of the Monitoring Matrix as a crucial advocacy tool for CSO enabling environment, that contributed to crucial policy changes at the national level. Additionally, outreach efforts were expanded and we have intensified our contribution in regional, EU and global processes and contributed to strengthened regional cooperation for protecting civic space. The secured funding strengthened BCSDN’s efforts in supporting civil society and providing more enabling civil society in the Balkans. The presentation of the BCSDN members’ feedback survey confirmed members’ satisfaction with various aspects of the network’s operation.
The meeting continued with presentation of the Annual Plan for 2024 presenting the network’s activities for the year aimed at fulfilling our strategic goals, followed by a strategic discussion.
Discussion on BCSDN membership followed, along with presentations from members on the state of civil society, advocacy efforts, ongoing projects, and future plans within their respective countries.
The meeting concluded positively, with commendation for the EO’s accomplishments and gratitude expressed for members’ dedication and support throughout the year.
After a successful year and completed strategic revision process, in collaboration with our members, addressing threats to civic space, we remain dedicated to strengthening the civil society and contributing to more thriving, open and sustainable democracies in the Balkans.
