News and updates from BCSDN and the region
EC presented its recommendations to Member States to ease barriers to cross-border philanthropy and to work towards a more enabling environment for civil society and the wider social economy. This is a result of the long-awaited European Commission proposal for a Council Recommendation on developing the social economy framework conditions and the guidance for Member
Read more →EU has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to combat violence against women by adopting a decision on its accession to the Istanbul Convention. By joining the Istanbul Convention, the EU affirms its commitment to preventing violence, protecting victims, and prosecuting perpetrators. The decision underscores the EU’s recognition of violence against women as
Read more →The recently concluded 2023 UN Financing for Development Forum shed light on the crucial role of CSOs in the development and implementation of Infrastructure Financing Frameworks (INFFs). It highlighted that CSOs bring valuable expertise, diverse perspectives, and on-the-ground knowledge that can enhance the effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of infrastructure financing. The article stresses the importance
Read more →Efforts to strengthen ethics and transparency within the EU have gained momentum, as highlighted in recent publications. The focus is on addressing ethical challenges and enhancing accountability mechanisms across EU institutions. Proposed reforms aim to set clear ethical standards, improve conflict of interest rules, and expand financial disclosures to promote transparency. The objective is to
Read more →The European Commission has announced the postponement of the proposed law targeting foreign interference in the European Union (EU). The article “NoEUfara: Commission Postpones Foreign Interference Law” by ECNL, sheds light on this decision and its potential implications. The postponement is a response to concerns raised by CSOs and other stakeholders regarding the potential impact
Read more →EU TACSO 3 published the first assessment against the revised DG NEAR Guidelines for EU Support to Civil Society in the Enlargement Region, 2021-2027. The guidelines highlight the results for EU assistance to civil society in the enlargement region over the next seven years. It provides evidence for the situation against the Guidelines’ indicators for
Read more →Two massive protests were held in Belgrade in the last two weeks, railing against the Serbian government officials, after the fierce events and massive murders, and the promotion of violence in the media. Recognized as the largest since the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) came to power one decade ago, the protests called for resignation of
Read more →Safe Journalists Network in Albania, along with the Center Science and Innovation for Development (SCiDEV), published the Report Indicators on the Level of Media Freedom and Journalists’ Safety in Albania 2022, reflecting on the media freedom and safety of journalists in the country. The annual report provides an in-depth analysis of the prevailing challenges, current
Read more →The European Commission has published its consultation on the Defense of Democracy package, aiming to bring legislative and non-legislative measures to strengthen resilience to covert foreign interference and encourage civic engagement in the European democracies. As part of the package, the Commission plans to introduce a directive for “common transparency and accountability standards for interest
Read more →The analysis prepared by the Anti-corruption Fund is a systematic review of the legal practice on SLAPP cases in Bulgaria for the period 2000 – March 2023. The analysis provides an outline of the concept, the emergence, the significance, and the effects of the SLAPPs, by presenting country’s specific examples, revealing the Bulgarian dimension of
Read more →Liberties is summoning CSOs and activists to take a stand for citizens’ voting autonomy by signing a petition. The rationale is to prevent certain politicians from carrying out voter fraud using sensitive data about race, religion, sexual orientation, or health. The letter asks citizens to be the ones choosing the leaders and allowed to protect
Read more →A coalition of CSOs has issued a joint statement expressing concern about the EU’s proposed foreign interference law, which they argue could have a chilling effect on CSOs. The law aims to address foreign influence in EU elections and political processes, but the CSOs warn that it could also be used to stifle legitimate activities
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