News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Tens of thousands gathered at Belgrade’s Slavija Square for one of Serbia’s largest rallies in recent years, protesting against President Aleksandar Vucic and his government. The protest, led by students and farmer unions, was part of a movement demanding accountability for the November 1 railway station canopy collapse in Novi Sad, which killed 15 people.
Read more →Recent European Commission policy guidelines barring NGOs from using EU funds for advocacy work are a profound threat to democracy and civil society’s role in policymaking. CINEA, the agency that deals with funding for all kinds of environmental projects financed by the LIFE programme on behalf of the EC has requested NGOs to review 2024
Read more →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
Read more →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
Read more →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
Read more →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
Read more →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
Read more →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
Read more →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
Read more →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
Read more →Protests in Georgia intensified after the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party suspended EU accession talks, drawing condemnation and widespread demonstrations. Thousands gathered in Tbilisi and other cities, demanding the restoration of EU negotiations and new elections. The government’s response included aggressive tactics, such as water cannons, tear gas, and arrests, with over 300 detainees by
Read more →BCSDN members Partners Albania and MCIC published their 2023 reports on the civil society environment, highlighting key civil society challenges in Albania and North Macedonia. In terms of basic freedoms, CSOs in both countries operate in an environment where freedom of association is legally guaranteed and practiced. However, Albania faces setbacks with delays in operationalizing
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