What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

Romania: Media Capture Monitoring Report – Measuring compliance with the European Media Freedom Act

The International Press Institute (IPI) and the Media and Journalism Research Center (MJRC) report assesses media capture in Romania. The analysis highlights the political influence over Romania’s media regulators, including the National Audiovisual Council (CNA), and the challenges facing public service broadcasters like the Romanian Television Company (TVR) and the Romanian Radio Broadcasting Company (SRR).

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North Macedonia: Questionnaire for Measuring the Value of Indicators from the Action Plan of the Government’s Strategy for Cooperation with and Development of Civil Society (2022–2024) in 2024 (Deadline: 25 January)

The Government of North Macedonia invites CSOs registered under the Law on Associations and Foundations to complete a questionnaire assessing the implementation of the Action plan of the Government’s Strategy for Cooperation with and Development of Civil Society (2022-2024) for 2024. The questionnaire gathers data on organizational activities, sectors of work, cooperation with the Government,

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Albania: Government Bans TikTok for a Year Amid Concerns Over Youth Violence and Digital Rights

Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama announced a one-year TikTok ban starting in 2025, following the fatal stabbing of a teenager allegedly linked to social media disputes. Rama accused platforms like TikTok of inciting youth violence and stressed society’s collective responsibility. TikTok denied involvement, citing no evidence of accounts linked to the incident and clarifying the

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Serbia: Spyware Abuse by Authorities Triggers CSO Appeal for EU Action

A report by Amnesty International reveals that Serbian police and intelligence services are using advanced forensic tools and NoviSpy spyware to surveil activists, journalists, and civil society members. Tools from the Israeli firm Cellebrite are being employed to unlock devices and install spyware during police interrogations or confiscations, violating Serbian law and fundamental rights. Amnesty’s

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Turkey: Cracks Down on Media Over Criticism of Government Policy on Syria

Turkey has intensified its crackdown on journalists, media outlets, and civil society groups critical of its Syria policy following the recent overthrow of the Assad regime by Turkey-backed opposition forces. Authorities are targeting dissenting voices through arrests, house detentions, and investigations, often accusing them of spreading misinformation or supporting terrorism. Protests against the treatment of

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Serbia: Student Protests Intensify Over Corruption and Government Allegations

Serbian students are leading nationwide protests against President Aleksandar Vučić’s government, sparked by a deadly canopy collapse at the Novi Sad railway station in November, which killed 15 people and exposed corruption tied to infrastructure projects involving Chinese companies. Rejecting accusations of Western funding to overthrow the government, students have suspended classes at over 40

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Turkey: MFRR Calls the EU to Act Against ‘Agent of Influence’ Bill Threatening Basic Freedoms

In a letter to the European Commission, the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) raises concerns that the proposed “agent of influence” bill in Turkey poses a serious threat to fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and press freedom. Under consideration by the Turkish Parliament, the bill could see individuals facing 3-7 years of imprisonment for

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BiH: Journalist Threatened, Urgent Safety Measures Demanded

BiH Journalists’ Association is calling for urgent protective measures for an investigative journalist after reports of an assassination plot by an organised crime group. The journalist, known for exposing links between international drug cartels and crime networks, has faced significant threats and pressure, including from high-level politicians. The leader of the group was arrested in

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Serbia: CSOs Coalition Demands Transparency Amid Concerns Over Misuse of Public Funds

The coalition “Open about Tenders,” including BCSDN member Civic Initiatives, has raised alarms about the misuse of public funds in Serbia’s state-administered grants to CSOs. While recent tenders have seen a rise in funding allocations, they disproportionately benefit a select few organizations—some lacking transparency, expertise, or public visibility. Concerns include favoritism, mismanagement, and the absence

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Slovenia: The CIVICUS Monitor Upgrades Country’s Civic Space to “Open” – Significant Strides in Fostering CS Engagement and Press Freedom

The CIVICUS Monitor has upgraded Slovenia’s civic space rating to “Open” in its latest report, People Power Under Attack 2024. This milestone highlights Slovenia’s efforts to strengthen democratic processes, foster civil society engagement, and advance press freedom. Key reforms include securing the independence of public broadcaster RTV Slovenia, enhancing civil society consultations, and passing a

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