News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Commissioner O’Flaherty expressed serious concern over the escalating crisis for CSOs and human rights defenders in Europe. Following meetings with activists, he highlighted shrinking civic space, restrictive laws targeting organizations receiving foreign funding, and rising harassment. Funding cuts (including the end of US aid) are forcing many organizations to scale back or close, particularly those
Read more →A new campaign is challenging the global aid system, exposing how current practices exclude the voices of leaders with disabilities (OPDs) in Africa and Asia and weaken their local work. The Fairer Funding campaign unites OPDs, funders, and INGOs to demand a fairer approach that values lived experience and local leadership. For CSOs engaging with
Read more →CSOs grantees of the “Civica Mobilitas” programme, have formulated and submitted their proposals to candidates for the 2025 local elections, aiming to improve transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and the quality of public services at the local level, as well as to secure sustainable funding for civic initiatives. The proposals are based on the organisations’ experience
Read more →A new report on individual giving in Türkiye offers key insights for CSOs’ donor strategies, revealing both opportunities and challenges. Following the 2023 earthquakes, disaster giving surged, with a significant 25% of donations going directly to CSOs, highlighting their crucial role in crisis response. However, the report also shows that only 13% of the population
Read more →With traditional funding models under pressure, a new focus on localisation and alternative finance is emerging as a critical donor strategy for the future of civil society. The text highlights that despite its importance, less than 2% of global humanitarian funding currently reaches local organizations directly, leaving them underfunded and burdened by compliance rules. This,
Read more →In an effort to improve accountability and effectiveness, foreign aid donors have increasingly turned to digital transparency portals to share detailed information on development projects. However, recent research suggests that transparency alone may not achieve the intended outcomes of greater public trust and government effectiveness. The research emphasizes that transparency efforts must be tailored to
Read more →The European Commission has presented its proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034, introducing a restructured funding model with potential implications for the EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR). While macroregional strategies are not explicitly mentioned, the new structure of €865 billion under National and Regional Partnership Plans aligns with EUSAIR priorities such
Read more →The key challenge for civil society media organizations is aligning their project pitches with the distinct goals of different funders. While many have strong ideas, their success hinges on presenting a narrative that resonates with the audience’s logic. For donors, pitches must focus on social impact, inclusion, and policy alignment, using powerful visual storytelling with
Read more →The stagnation of official development assistance (ODA) for gender equality is a major concern. Recent analysis reveals that, both in Sweden and globally, the proportion of aid dedicated to gender equality has stalled, which directly impacts the ability of civil society organizations to conduct their work. This lack of funding momentum coincides with a global
Read more →The European Commission has published a detailed briefing on the rule‑of‑law conditionality mechanism included in the 2021–2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), highlighting its role as a key element in protecting the EU budget from violations of fundamental principles. The mechanism, fully in effect since January 2021, gives the Commission the authority to take measures—such as
Read more →The new toolkit offers practical guidance for aligning actions, including monitoring restrictions, sharing information, engaging constructively with governments, and implementing measures that minimize harm. It emphasizes collaboration among donors, international organizations, civil society, and local actors, highlighting the importance of inclusive, well-informed partnerships. Better coordination among these actors is needed to ensure effective efforts and
Read more →Norway is intensifying its strategic engagement in the Western Balkans through targeted support for civil society development and media freedom. As part of its flagship regional initiative, the SMART Balkans project, implemented by a consortium led by the Center for Promotion of Civil Society (CPCD) and funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with
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