News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Global crises highlight the urgent need for donor strategies that protect civic space. Existing systems, designed for extraction, require systemic reform led by marginalized communities, not “saviourism.” Donors must support genuine people power, foster accountability, and explicitly integrate civic space protection as a core objective. This means moving beyond traditional aid to truly empower civic
Read more →Worries are mounting over the future of the EU’s Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme, the only EU funding instrument explicitly designed to support civil society. As discussions on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework begin, there is growing concern that CERV could face cuts, absorption into broader programmes, or be sidelined in favor of
Read more →With only five years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), just 17% of targets are on track. A new report by Forus, “Unlocking the Power of Localization and Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships to Rescue the SDGs,” argues that localization is key to closing the implementation gap and making real progress. The report draws on over
Read more →The Philanthropy Europe Association (Philea), through its Journalism Funders Forum, has launched a survey to assess philanthropic engagement with media and journalism across Europe. The initiative aims to collect data on current funding levels, thematic and geographic priorities, and perceived challenges and gaps in supporting independent journalism. The findings will inform a more strategic and
Read more →A new study by Expert Europe, titled “Three Decades of Civil Society: the Ups and Downs of Promoting Democracy in Romania”, explores the evolving landscape of civil society and independent media support in Romania over the past 35 years – and offers timely recommendations for Europe. As the US repositions its global democratization strategy and
Read more →North Macedonia’s civil society is bracing for a significant blow following the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) decision to reduce its funding substantially. For over thirty years, USAID has been a key player in supporting democratic reforms, fostering the growth of civil society, and promoting private sector development in the region. From 2025
Read more →The European Commission has adopted a revised Action Plan for the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR), ushering in a new phase of regional cooperation and sustainable development. The updated framework builds on a decade of progress across four core pillars: Blue Sustainable Economy, Connecting the Region (Transport and Energy), Environmental Quality,
Read more →A new report by the Ukrainian Women’s Fund and The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation sheds light on how international aid is (not) reaching Women Civil Society Organisations (WCSOs) in Ukraine, two years after Russia’s full-scale invasion. Based on survey responses and interviews with over 100 WCSOs, the study provides rare insights into funding flows and
Read more →As shrinking civic space and media capture continue to reshape the landscape for civil society, timely and targeted information has become essential for effective donor engagement. A recent feature by Pikasa.ai explores how media intelligence is being used not only to understand shifting narratives but also to inform funding decisions, anticipate backlash, and evaluate the
Read more →The Western Balkans Circular Economy Hub has officially been launched, forming part of broader EU-supported efforts to promote sustainability and regional cooperation. Coordinated by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), the Hub has been envisaged as a platform for knowledge exchange, policy alignment, and intersectoral collaboration among civil society, public institutions, and the private sector. Its
Read more →CIVICUS has been examining the challenges and strategies for CSOs in response to funding cuts, particularly the sudden USAID funding freeze in 2025. The impact of these cuts on CSOs’ financial stability and operations is highlighted, based on a survey conducted by CIVICUS among its members, networks, and communities. Various mitigation strategies CSOs employ include
Read more →In a new strategic overview, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) underscores the enduring relevance of democracy support as both a moral obligation and a long-term investment in global stability, prosperity, and resilience. The report positions democracy as a system that delivers tangible benefits, including economic development, civic accountability, and peace, contrasting sharply with authoritarian
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