News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Growing concerns over media freedom and impunity in Serbia have intensified following a court ruling ordering the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation to pay more than one million RSD in damages in a defamation case brought by individuals previously acquitted of the 1999 murder of journalist Slavko Ćuruvija. The ruling followed a public statement by the Foundation
Read more →In its 2026 contribution to the European Commission’s Rule of Law Report, Civil Society Europe warns of a continued shrinking of civic space across the EU, with growing restrictions targeting freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and the right to protest. The contribution highlights that restrictive trends are reinforced both at national and EU levels, contributing
Read more →Concerns are growing in Serbia over proposed amendments to the Law on Public Order and Peace that would extend its application to the digital sphere, including social media platforms. The draft foresees sanctions for online insults, offensive behaviour, and other activities already regulated in physical public spaces, treating social networks as a form of public
Read more →A new overview published by the Coalition Against SLAPPs in Europe (CASE) shows that the deadline for EU Member States to transpose the EU Anti-SLAPP Directive has passed with uneven implementation across Europe, raising concerns about the level of protection available to journalists, activists, and civil society actors facing abusive lawsuits aimed at silencing public
Read more →A new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) warns that shortcomings in the implementation of the EU’s Dual-Use Regulation continue to allow the export of surveillance technologies from EU Member States to countries with documented human rights concerns. Based on research conducted between 2024 and 2026, the report highlights exports of telecom interception systems and
Read more →Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency responsible for coordinating border management and migration-related operations at the EU’s external borders, has announced the composition of its renewed Consultative Forum on Fundamental Rights for the 2025–2028 period, bringing together international organisations and civil society actors working on human rights, migration, asylum, and rule of law issues. The
Read more →Recent developments in Hungary have renewed scrutiny over the relationship between political power, state financing, and media influence following significant changes within media and communications networks closely associated with the previous Fidesz government, while the electoral victory of the Tisza party and the end of Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule have intensified debate over how to restore media pluralism
Read more →Albanian CSOs, including BCSDN member Partners Albania, have issued a joint statement calling for stronger alignment with EU standards on participation, funding, and dialogue, at a crucial moment in the country’s EU integration process. While welcoming recent EU developments, including the EU Civil Society Strategy and the EU Democracy Shield, organisations stress that their translation
Read more →Disinformation and foreign influence remained a significant challenge to democratic processes in North Macedonia in 2025, affecting media integrity, public trust, and security, according to a report by Metamorphosis Foundation. Beyond persistent pro-Russian narratives linked to the war in Ukraine, the report identifies a rise in anti-EU and anti-NATO messaging, as well as manipulative content
Read more →The European Parliament adopted its interim report on the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), proposing a 10.72 billion EUR allocation for the AgoraEU programme—an increase of 2.14 billion EUR compared to the European Commission’s proposal. The proposal follows a joint open letter, supported by over 500 organisations, including BCSDN, calling for stronger investment in culture
Read more →During the local elections in Serbia on 29 March, multiple physical attacks and obstructions against journalists were reported across at least 10 cities, prompting strong condemnation from the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and the SafeJournalists Network. Journalists covering the elections were assaulted, threatened, and had equipment damaged or stolen, despite being clearly identified as
Read more →The Trade Union of Media of Montenegro (TUMM) has welcomed the conviction of Pljevlja Mayor Dario Vraneš for offensive remarks directed at investigative journalist Milka Tadić Mijović, noting it as an important step in addressing harmful public discourse. Trade Union of Media of Montenegro emphasised that the court recognised elements of disparagement, gender-based stereotyping, and
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