For civil society in the Western Balkans, 2025 was a year that tested resilience. However, for the Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN), it was also a year of consolidation and significant contribution to the regional advocacy landscape. Under the theme of “shared persistence,” the network successfully launched several initiatives to protect civic space and ensure that the voices of civil society remain central to the EU accession process.
2025 Key Takeaways & Achievements:
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Advancing Gender Equality: The network published pioneering research titled “The Missing Lens on Gender Equality in the Western Balkans,” addressing critical gaps in how gender is integrated into regional civic discourse.
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New Digital Tools for Monitoring: The launch of the Monitoring Matrix interactive web platform provides a real-time view of regional trends, challenges, and developments shaping the civil society environment.
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Influencing EU Policy: BCSDN played a pivotal role in high-level advocacy, contributing to the first-ever EU Civil Society Strategy and providing a critical analysis of the 2025 EU Enlargement Package to ensure that official benchmarks align with reality on the ground.
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Securing Civic Space as a Priority: Through their latest policy brief, the network successfully argued why civic space must remain a top priority in EU accession negotiations, ensuring that democratic agency is protected as countries move toward membership.
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Focusing on Donor Sustainability: New research was released examining the intersection of donor support and the long-term future of civil society in the region, providing a roadmap for sustainable development.
Looking Toward 2026: Strengthening Ties
As BCSDN enters 2026, the focus remains on “big-picture thinking” and on strengthening ties among regional actors. The network’s mission for the coming year is clear: to ensure that advocacy, dialogue, and civic agency remain protected and vibrant across the Western Balkans.