News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Environmental associations in the Federation of BiH have submitted a law to the parliamentary procedure aimed at protecting citizens, activists, and journalists from lawsuits intended to silence them. The proposed Law on Citizens’ Initiative and Protection of Citizens and Activists aims to create a legal framework safeguarding individuals involved in environmental activism. A press conference
Read more →The latest BCSDN Digest provides a concise overview of the complex interplay between Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) regulations and their impact on CSOs in the Western Balkans and Türkiye. Based on the BCSDN policy paper on AML/CFT Regulations and Implications on CSOs in the Western Balkans and Türkiye, the Digest
Read more →The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on Serbia, with 461 votes in favor and 52 against, calling for an investigation into the December elections. Expressing serious concern, the EP notes evidence of activities before and during the elections that may have influenced results, particularly in Belgrade. The resolution urges the European Commission to send
Read more →BiH associations and foundations are urged to sign the Civil Society Declaration pushing for the start of EU membership negotiations for the country. Amid uncertain EU conditions, CSOs call for authorities to fulfill requirements. The aim is to optimize the opportunity, prioritizing high-quality reforms for accelerated EU integration. Signatories can add their organizations by February
Read more →EPI’s quarterly brief on North Macedonia (October–December 2023) examines the country EU accession progress, focusing on democratic institutions, public administration reform, and Chapter 23 Judiciary and Fundamental Rights. It provides a concise overview of the period, outlining both positive strides and existing challenges. Notably, it emphasizes developments shaping country’s alignment with EU standards. A continuing
Read more →In an open letter, CSOs and universities voice concerns regarding the European Commission’s Defence of Democracy Package. The signatories highlight potential implications on democratic values. They are particularly concerned with the Proposal for a directive establishing harmonised requirements in the internal market on transparency of interest representation carried out on behalf of third countries. The
Read more →The manual designed to guide journalists and activists in Bosnia and Herzegovina amid recent legislation changes recriminalizing defamation and revealing personal details. It covers legal aspects and consequences, offering instructions for prevention, rights protection, and actions during investigations. The document focuses on two main segments: prevention and handling in case of investigation. Concrete guidance is
Read more →The 34th annual Human Rights Watch World Report for 2023 highlights a global decline in human rights, citing governments engaging in selective violent actions and transactional diplomacy. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, challenges include discriminatory electoral systems, restrictions on the LGBTQ+ community, inadequate protection for victims of gender-based violence, slow progress on war crime accountability, and
Read more →Over the past few years, the relationship between the Government of Serbia and CSOs had deteriorated due to increased harassment and attacks on CSOs. The European Center for Not for Profit Law (ECNL) supported the establishment of the Council for Cooperation and Civil Society Development in the country, a key body for restarting dialogue between
Read more →The document discusses changes to Recommendation 8 and the best Practices Paper of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) during 2023. It emphasizes that countries should periodically identify organizations within the non-profit sector involved in the functional definition of FATF and assess the terrorism financing risks present in the sector. Countries are advised to implement
Read more →The Croatian Journalists’ Association (HND) has urged parliamentarians to reject a proposed law criminalizing the “Unauthorised disclosure of the contents of an investigative or evidentiary act,” expressing concerns about its impact on journalism and the public interest. The HND argues that even with a provision exempting journalists if they obtain prohibited information, the law could
Read more →Civil Society Europe (CSE), representing EU-level CSOs, expresses deep concern about the European Parliament’s own-initiative report on the transparency and accountability of NGOs funded from the EU budget. CSE rejects the report, arguing it lacks evidence and relies on assumptions. They emphasize that NGOs are subject to the same EU financial rules and reporting obligations
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