What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

Why must the EU integrate the Western Balkans into its Cybersecurity Agency?

As digital threats and geopolitical tensions increase, cybersecurity is a key priority for the Western Balkans’ EU integration. The six countries—Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia—seek phased access to EU cybersecurity structures, starting with ENISA observer status. Currently, candidate countries have limited access, but the EU Cybersecurity Act revision offers a

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The Reform Agenda 2024 – 2027 and Digitalization in the Republic of North Macedonia

The Report prepared by Metamorphosis outlines key digitalization and cybersecurity goals with a June 2025 deadline, and plans for 2026 and 2027. It highlights North Macedonia’s strategic roadmap toward EU integration, emphasizing reforms that affect EU funding and membership progress. After the 2022 Intergovernmental Conference, the country accelerated efforts, especially in digitalizing public administration to

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Balkan Countries Failing to Enforce Freedom of Information Laws

A new BIRN analysis highlights persistent failures across the Balkans in implementing freedom of information (FOI) laws. While most countries in the region have adopted legal frameworks guaranteeing public access to information, enforcement remains weak and inconsistent. Authorities often delay responses, deny requests without justification, or impose unreasonable fees, with little risk of sanctions. Oversight

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North Macedonia’s Media Freedom Facing Criticism in New Shadow Report

Metamorphosis Foundation’s latest shadow report finds that media freedom in North Macedonia continues to face systemic threats. Journalists report persistent harassment, self-censorship due to politically motivated editorial pressure, and a lack of transparency in media ownership. Regulatory bodies remain weakly resourced and prone to political influence, and public service media are often used to disseminate

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North Macedonia Addresses Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference in Parliamentary Expert Meeting

An urgent call for a systematic and institutional approach to combat foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) in North Macedonia was issued today at an expert meeting in the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia. Organized by the Parliamentary Committee on Defense and Security and the Institute of Communication Studies (ICS), the session highlighted

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BIRN Report: Media in Kosovo and Serbia Prioritize Crises Over Daily Realities

A recent report released by BIRN Serbia and Internews Kosova reveals that Kosovo and Serbian media tend to concentrate primarily on crises and incidents when covering the complex relationship between the two nations. The report, titled “Journalistic Perspectives on Serbia-Kosovo Relations,” argues that this limited scope contributes to growing mistrust and the spread of misinformation,

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