News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) consortium expresses deep alarm over Kosovo’s new media law, passed by the Parliament this month, which poses significant threats to media freedom and independence. This law grants the government greater control over media regulation through the Independent Media Commission (IMC). Concerns include increased political influence on the IMC, mandatory
Read more →The Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto is regaining public support in Serbia to restart its lithium mining project in Jadar Valley. The Serbian government plans to reinstate previously blocked mining permits that in 2021 were followed by massive protests against the company’s negative damage to the environment, followed by police brutality against activists. Despite new
Read more →Kosovo’s Parliament adopted a controversial law on the Independent Media Commission, IMC, ignoring international calls for stricter safeguards. The new law requires online media to obtain state licenses and register with the IMC, which will manage the Online Media Register. They will also now be subject to a regime of sanctions, including potential fines of
Read more →In Albania, media independence is severely compromised by political influence and financial instability. The government exercises near-total control over major media outlets, transforming them into tools of political propaganda. Efforts to establish media self-regulation, such as the Albanian Media Council, face significant governmental sabotage. Traditional media is largely owned by business elites who exchange favorable
Read more →Croatian women’s activists from the Association Autonomous Women’s House Zagreb are advocating for law reforms to strengthen abortion rights and limit public anti-abortion protests. They highlight the harmful impact of ultra-conservative ‘kneelers,’ who pray in public against abortion and divorce, promoting violence and discrimination against women. The proposed changes to the criminal code include penalizing
Read more →Mirdita – Dobar dan, an annual festival promoting reconciliation between Serbian and Kosovar youth through art, culture, advocacy, and debate, was banned by Serbian authorities. Scheduled to open on June 27 at Dorćol Platz in Belgrade, the festival faced opposition from ultranationalist and hooligan groups, who blocked access, intimidated attendees, and vandalized the venue. Despite
Read more →On 26 June 2024, the House of Representatives of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted the Draft Law on Citizens’ Initiative and Protection of Citizens and Activists. This law provides protection against legal actions intended to suppress public engagement. Under the law, citizens and activists cannot be held accountable or subjected to physical or
Read more →The CASE Coalition has identified two lawsuits by Judge Dusanka Djordjevic against Serbian media outlet KRIK as SLAPPs, aiming to silence independent journalism. Judge Djordjevic and her husband, lawyer Aleksandar Djordjevic, filed both criminal and civil suits against KRIK, its editor-in-chief Stevan Dojcinovic, and journalist Bojana Pavlovic. They claim KRIK’s “Judge Who Judges” database, which
Read more →The report “Legal and Regulatory Landscape on Philanthropy in Albania – A Roadmap for Safeguarding NPOs’ Fundraising Activities from Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing” , delivered by BCSDN member Partners Albania, analyzes the legal and institutional framework governing fundraising methods for philanthropic activities in Albania, crucial for the operations and sustainability of NPOs. Through detailed
Read more →ARTICLE 19 critiques Croatia’s recent amendments to the Criminal Code, which introduces criminal penalties for disclosing ‘non-public’ information related to criminal cases. They advocate for the repeal of these amendments, citing concerns that they violate international standards on freedom of expression. The new provisions restrict journalists and others from accessing and disseminating information crucial to
Read more →A European Leaders’ Call to Defend Democracy urged the EU to prioritize democracy support in its upcoming institutional term following the European Parliament elections. This call emphasizes the importance of democratic values and proposes several policy commitments. In response, Brussels-based democracy organizations, including EED, EPD, ENOP, and International IDEA, have launched a policy brief detailing
Read more →North Macedonia’s EU accession process faces significant hurdles, including unresolved bilateral disputes, political instability, and waning public support. Despite these challenges, the country remains driven by the prospects of economic prosperity and regional stability. Declining public support reflects frustrations with slow progress and perceived EU ambivalence. Compounding these issues are broader regional crises and the
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