What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

Lessons for International Aid from Hungary’s Political Breakthrough

An analysis by the European Democracy Hub examines lessons from Hungary’s recent political change for international democracy aid, highlighting the role sustained support to independent civil society played during years of democratic regression. Hungarian NGOs faced legal restrictions, harassment, intimidation and hostile public narratives, while continuing to provide independent information, investigate government misconduct, defend rights,

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North Macedonia: Reform Agenda Progresses, but Implementation Gaps and Funding Risks Remain

The Citizens’ Alliance for Reform and Growth (CARGrow) published its second ex-post monitoring report on North Macedonia’s Reform Agenda 2024–2027, assessing 39 reform steps across governance and public administration, green and digital transition, human capital, the business environment, and fundamental rights and rule of law. The findings point to progress in establishing legislative, strategic and

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Arts and Culture Funders Forum: Rethinking Impact in Philanthropy (21–23 October, Paris)

The Arts and Culture Funders Forum will bring foundations and practitioners together in Paris on 21–23 October 2026 to explore how impact in arts and culture can be understood beyond quantitative indicators. As foundations face growing pressure to demonstrate results, conventional measurement approaches can narrow artistic practice into predefined outputs and fail to capture learning,

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Analysing the Legal Environment for Philanthropy in Europe

Philea’s legal mapping provides an overview of the regulatory and fiscal conditions in which foundations and philanthropy operate across Europe. Developed with national and international legal experts, the work looks at key aspects of the operating environment, including registration and reporting requirements, governance, economic activities and tax treatment, while also tracking wider legal and policy

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European Fundraising Forum (19 November, Leuven, Belgium)

The EFA European Fundraising Forum will bring together fundraisers, sector leaders and stakeholders on 19 November 2026 in Leuven to discuss developments shaping fundraising and philanthropy across Europe. The Forum will explore how regulation, technology and changing civic space are affecting fundraising, alongside questions of purpose, impact and long-term sustainability. Participants will exchange perspectives on

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EU Growth Plan: Performance-Based Reforms Drive Enlargement Forward

The EU’s Growth Plan is reshaping the enlargement process by making financial support increasingly conditional on the delivery of measurable reforms rather than commitments alone. Through performance-based funding and Reform Agendas, the initiative strengthens the link between democratic reforms, gradual integration into the EU Single Market and eventual accession. At the halfway point of implementation,

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Growth Plan Funding to Be Redirected Towards Reform Leaders in the Western Balkans

The European Commission is expected to reallocate funding under the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans to countries demonstrating stronger reform performance. According to EU officials, Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia are set to benefit from the redistribution after making the most progress in implementing agreed reform agendas. In contrast, Bosnia and Herzegovina,

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European Civil Society Calls for an Ambitious EU Budget that Safeguards Investment in Civil Society and External Action

Ahead of the European Council discussions on the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), a broad coalition of European CSOs has called for an ambitious EU budget that reflects the Union’s geopolitical, social and environmental challenges. The statement urges increased investment in social cohesion, research, education, climate action, culture and civil society, alongside a strong external

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EU Budget Talks Expose Divisions over Future Spending

Negotiations on the EU’s 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) have intensified following a proposal by the Cyprus Presidency to reduce the European Commission’s nearly EUR 2 trillion budget proposal by 2%. While southern and eastern Member States have largely welcomed the proposal, particularly the protection of agricultural and regional funding, fiscally conservative countries led by

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EC Releases 158.9 Million EUR to Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia

The European Commission has released a new package of funding under the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans, allocating €49 million to Albania, €44.2 million to Montenegro, and €65.7 million to North Macedonia. The disbursement follows the Commission’s positive assessment of reform progress in areas including business competitiveness, innovation, education, and digitalisation. Part

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The Defunding of EU Civil Society and Think Tanks

Growing concerns are emerging over the future of EU support for civil society after reports revealed that several established pro-European think tanks and advocacy organisations have lost operating grants under the European Commission’s CERV programme. Organisations such as the European Policy Centre, the Jacques Delors Institute, and the Robert Schuman Foundation are among those affected,

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EEA and Norway Grants Renewed Partnership with Slovenia

Slovenia has renewed its partnership with Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein under the EEA and Norway Grants framework for 2021–2028, securing €50 million to support democratic resilience, social inclusion, public health, and local development. Civil society remains a key priority within the new funding period, with the EEA Civil Society Fund continuing to support grassroots initiatives,

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