News and updates from BCSDN and the region
On 7 January, Meta ended its fact-checking program, introducing the “Community Notes” system that allows users to add context to posts. This has relaxed restrictions on sensitive topics like immigration and gender, which might permit hate speech under the guise of political discourse. An analytical commentary compares these shifts to the surge of hate speech
Read more →More than 2,000 media outlets globally have begun the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI) certification process led by Reporters without Borders (RSF) to enhance media ethics. The JTI involves a self-assessment against 130 criteria using the JTI-app, publishing a transparency report, and an optional external audit for certification. Ten media outlets successfully completed the JTI self-assessment
Read more →A new analysis by the Balkans in Europe Policy Advisory Group (BIEPAG) highlights the student-led protests in Serbia as a critical test for democracy—both nationally and across the Western Balkans. With tens of thousands mobilised across the country, the movement represents the most serious challenge to Serbia’s authoritarian trajectory under President Vučić. The report warns
Read more →The Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law (FRRL) Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) concluded a two-day visit to Tirana on 2-3 April 2025, marking its first mission to Albania. Meeting with civil society, media representatives, and authorities, the delegation gathered input on key challenges affecting freedoms of association and assembly, media
Read more →The latest survey by the Macedonian Center for International Cooperation (MCIC) reveals a significant decline in public trust in civil society organisations (CSOs). In 2024, the overall trust index in the sector dropped to 42.9%, down by 8.2 percentage points compared to 2021. Only 38.4% of respondents expressed trust in CSOs, with notable variations across
Read more →The Civil Liberties Union for Europe (Liberties) has released its sixth annual Rule of Law Report, providing a civil society-led shadow assessment of developments in the EU during 2024. Covering 21 countries and drawing on over 40 local partner contributions, the report highlights persistent structural deficiencies, including politicised justice systems, corruption, media interference, and shrinking
Read more →A recent study by the Belgrade Center for Security Policies explores the protection mechanisms available to human rights defenders in six countries: Colombia, Mexico, DR Congo, the Philippines, Turkey, and Serbia. Despite the existence of legal and institutional tools at international and national levels, the study finds that defenders remain exposed to serious threats, including
Read more →The Council of Europe’s Safety of Journalists Platform has published its 2024 report, raising the alarm over Serbia’s persistent culture of impunity in attacks against journalists. The report documents a year-long campaign of threats against Dinko Gruhonjić, a journalist and media studies professor, highlighting 15 incidents including death threats, harassment, and institutional pressure—all without legal
Read more →BCSDN member, the Macedonian Center for International Cooperation (MCIC) is conducting a survey to monitor the enabling environment for CSOs in North Macedonia for 2024. The survey gathers insights into key aspects such as fundamental rights and freedoms, organizational and financial sustainability, and cooperation between civil society and the state. The goal is to better
Read more →Serbia has been added to the CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist for the third time, categorized as “obstructed,” as authorities escalate repression against civil society amid mass protests following the deadly November 2024 collapse of a newly renovated train station in Novi Sad. Public outrage over corruption has fueled mass mobilizations across hundreds of cities, drawing up
Read more →A group of Albanian CSOs, committed to democratic, social, and economic development, as well as the country’s European integration, including BCSDN member Partners Albania for Change and Development, call on EU institutions, member states, and civil society supporters to address the growing challenges threatening civil society’s essential role. The letter states that the withdrawal of
Read more →The Europe Press Freedom Report 2024, published by the Council of Europe, highlights persistent threats to media freedom across Europe, with Serbia and Turkey among the worst-performing countries. The report recorded 226 alerts on the CoE’s Platform for journalist protection, with Turkey registering 28 alerts and Serbia 20. The most common threats were attacks on
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