News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The Liberties Rule of Law Report 2024, fifth annual edition, examines the state of the rule of law, democracy, and fundamental rights in 19 EU countries. Produced by Liberties in collaboration with 37 organizations, it is the most comprehensive analysis of the EU Rule of Law by an NGO network. Serving as both input for
Read more →Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama faced backlash for allegedly intimidating journalist Ambrozia Meta during a press conference in Tirana. Rama refused to answer Meta’s questions about an investment project involving Jared Kushner on the environmentally protected island of Sazan and was condemned as intimidating behavior. Despite demands for an apology, Rama defended his actions, claiming
Read more →The European Policy Center (EPC) discussion paper emphasizes the rise of deliberative democracy in Europe as a response to public demand for meaningful engagement. It identifies three key obstacles: fears of shifting power dynamics, a lack of innovative thinking, and diverging views on citizen participation. The paper also makes the case that the Union’s existing
Read more →A recent BIRN analysis reveals a concerning trend of violence and abuse targeting LGBT individuals in BiH and Serbia, particularly through popular dating apps like Grindr. Incidents such as a series of attacks in Sarajevo, where perpetrators lured victims via Grindr, highlight the risks faced by the community. Despite the prevalence of such crimes, hate
Read more →A coalition of human rights organizations, including ARTICLE 19 and Human Rights Watch, has called on social media platforms to protect users’ free expression rights and resist state censorship ahead of Turkey’s municipal elections on 31 March. The organizations emphasize the importance of transparency in disclosing government requests and pressure to restrict content. They criticize
Read more →The “Law on Amendments and Supplements to the Criminal Code” adopted on 20 July 2023, by the National Assembly in Republika Srpska, introduces criminal penalties for defamation, disclosure of personal information, and based on race, religion, or nationality. While previous analyses focused on media impacts, the ECNL examines how these amendments affect civil society, activists,
Read more →In 2023, press freedom in Europe faced diverse threats, despite a decrease in journalist killings. Wars in Ukraine, and Karabakh, and conflicts like the Israel-Hamas confrontation had repercussions on media freedom. Russia used war as a pretext to tighten control of media, detain journalists, and engage in transnational repression. The Council of Europe (CoE) report
Read more →The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) launched its manifesto for the 2024 EU Elections, advocating for journalism as a public good, and calling for support for independent journalism through funding, regulation, and safety measures. Key points include investing in journalism, ensuring safety for journalists, and regulating Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly. The manifesto emphasizes the need
Read more →BCSDN welcomes the EU Parliament’s adoption of the Anti-SLAPP Directive, known as Daphne’s Law. The Directive sets a standard protecting media and public watchdogs from strategic lawsuits, requiring member states’ implementation by 2026. BCSDN has intensified its efforts to tackle this pressing issue due to the alarming prevalence of SLAPPs across the Western Balkans and
Read more →The Bosnian Parliament’s upper chamber unanimously passed the Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorist Activities. Prior to the vote and adoption at the House of Peoples, the House of Representatives adopted the legislation in December last year. This Law is one of the crucial conditions on the country’s path to
Read more →The SafeJournalists Network expresses concern over the Albanian Supreme Court’s decision on journalist Elton Qyno’s case, where his equipment was confiscated. Qyno challenged the seizure, arguing it violates journalistic source confidentiality. The action sets a worrisome precedent. While legal adherence is acknowledged, it should align with international principles safeguarding journalistic sources, crucial for democratic societies.
Read more →The Civic Space Report 2023 prepared by the European Civic Forum highlights the pressing challenges to democracy in the EU, and the need to safeguard democracy. With the impending Defence of Democracy package, the report emphasizes the need to address both external threats and internal challenges to strengthen democratic resilience. Examining the decline in trust
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