What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

European Parliament Actions for Enhanced Protection Against SLAPPs: New Measures to Safeguard Public Interest Actors

The European Parliament acted in favor of protecting journalists, media organizations, activists, academics, artists, and researchers from unjustified and harmful legal actions. The Legal Affairs Committee voted in favor of new regulations to safeguard against strategic lawsuits intended to silence individuals involved in the public interest sphere. To enhance protection against SLAPPs, MEPs expanded the

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Battle for Balkan Cybersecurity: Threats and Implications of Biometrics and Digital Identity

The Balkans experiences significant increase in internet penetration and the integration of Biometrics and Digital Identity BDI technologies in various sectors. Between 2020-23, Albania, BiH, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Serbia reported increase in cyberattacks, specifically phishing and ransomware incidents. BIRN has mapped 40 cases and has collated data on cyberattacks targeting the Balkan region’s BDI

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European CSOs Letter on the Impact Assessment of the Democracy Package

EU organizations have expressed their support, and concerns for the European Commission’s decision to conduct an impact assessment of the Democracy package. This decision comes after a written request from 230 CSOs. The organizations appreciate that the Commission recognizes the importance of considering the fundamental rights implications of the proposed package. They trust that the

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Political Unrest in Serbia: Protest as a Catalyst for Change

The article analyzes the recent protests in Serbia in response to violence and citizens’ demands. Despite only two of the nine demands being met, the minister of education has resigned, and the National Assembly held a session on mass shootings and security. However, the concessions made by the non-ruling party minister did not incur significant

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EU Parliament Calls for Ban of Public Facial Recognition, but Leaves Human Rights Gaps in Final Position on AI Act

The European Parliament plenary voted in favor of strong fundamental rights protections in their official position on the Artificial Intelligence Act, including maintaining positive steps on fundamental rights impact assessments and transparency requirements. While EU wants to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure better conditions for the development and use of this innovative technology, in

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Emphasizing the Role of Civil Society: Key Takeaways from the 2023 UN Financing for Development Forum

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

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Advancing Ethics Reform and Transparency in the European Union

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

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