What's New

Civic Space 14 June 2021

Sharing Good practices of Collaboration Between Governments, Non-profits and Banks in AML/CFT Processes

The Regional Government & Civil Society Forum on AML/CTF processes co-organized by the Financial Intelligence Office of the Finance Ministry of R. Macedonia, ECNL, and the Association Konekt gathered 90 participants from 22 jurisdictions representing governments, the Financial Action Task Force regional body Moneyval, banks, and NPOs. The speakers and the participants pointed the impact

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Civic Space 14 June 2021

EC Reports: Problems on Rule of Law and Judiciary and Media Freedom in Serbia and Montenegro

The European Commission’s biannual non-paper on the state of the rule of law in Montenegro and Serbia notes problems on the judicial track record, judiciary independence, and freedom of expression. The report states that the legislative changes for the success of the rule of law reform in Montenegro must be prepared following European standards, best

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Civic Space 14 June 2021

SERBIA: Amendments to the Law on Civil Procedure Brings Negative Consequences to the Media

In the latest analysis, BCSDN member Civic Initiatives and local media associations urge the Serbian Ministry of Justice to withdraw the Draft Law on Civil Procedure. In a period of SLAPP lawsuits against media, and when private companies close to the authorities are demanding large sums for critical reporting, this Law could lead to the

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Civic Space 14 June 2021

ECNL Blog on Civic Space Restrictions Across Europe

In its latest blogpost, ECNL reflects that the COVID-19 has prompted CSOs’ solidarity and coordination. CSOs played a vital role in maintaining governments’ accountable responses, which have heightened the existing challenges to the civil society enabling environment under the pandemic pretext. In the name of public health protection, some European states adopted unbalanced emergency legislative

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Civic Space 31 May 2021

SLOVENIA: Citizens’ Protest Against the Restrictive Governance of the Slovenian Prime Minister

Around 10,000 protesters gathered in Ljubljana’s Preseren Square for the “All-Slovenian uprising” anti-government protest, asking for termination of the rule of the current prime minister and the right-wing government, urging for snap elections. The protesters blamed the Slovenian prime minister for using the coronavirus pandemic to restrict freedoms, neglect social dialogue, attack the media, and

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Civic Space 31 May 2021

Partners Albania Initiative on Empowering NGOs in Prevention of Money Laundering and the Fight Against Terrorism Financing

BCSDN member Partners Albania is implementing an initiative to empower NGOs to engage in preventing money laundering and combating terrorist financing proactively. As a part of this intervention, in March 2021, Partners Albania held a series of local roundtable discussions with organizations and other stakeholders, to discuss the main findings of their report on the legal

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Civic Space 31 May 2021

ALBANIA: IDM Report on Democracy Decline and Shrinking Civic Space

The paper reflects on the shrinking civic space as a reason for the democratization backslide in Albania during 2015-2020, with a particular reference to the last two years. It is delivered on the assumption that a strong civic space contributes to the consolidation of democracy. The paper also recognizes the specific governmental policies and practices

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Civic Space 31 May 2021

BIH: CPCD Condemns Threats Against Media and Looks Towards Strengthened Security of Journalists

In recent years, BiH authorities, individuals, and media close to the ruling parties intensified their pressures against journalists in the country. The government’s oppression escalated into accusations of media for their “unprofessionalism” and betraying the so-called ethnic entity, and state interests. As a result, freedom of expression and journalists’ reporting are on the margins, and

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Civic Space 31 May 2021

SERBIA: The New Draft Law on Free Access to Information of Public Importance Endangers the Achieved Level of Citizens’ Rights

The Ministry of State Administration and Local Self-Government in Serbia published the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Free Access to Information of Public Importance. The public debate on the document will remain open until 16 June 2021. In response, a group of CSOs in the Coalition for Freedom of Access to Information,

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Civic Space 31 May 2021

Digital Tools for Active Citizens in the Black Sea Region

The research aims to reveal how CSOs in the Black Sea Region are using digital tools to advance their mission, manage their resources, and outreach to donors and beneficiaries, before and during the COVID-19. The interest in the topic comes after the expanded use of the Internet and when social media and digital tools build

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Civic Space 14 May 2021

Citizens’ Movements- A Basis for a Democratic Change in the Balkans

Differing in their range and sphere of influence, the social movements in the Balkans share the idea of building a better, more just society. The fundamental principles of democracy, freedom, justice, and equality are still present within engaged citizens assembled around local initiatives and social movements. The “Bosnian Spring” in BiH, the “Colourful Revolution” in

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Civic Space 14 May 2021

Civicus Monitor: A New Covid-19 Brief on Restrictions on the Freedom of Expression

Based on the analysis of its research partners, among which BCSDN, providing analysis on the situation of the basic human freedoms in the Balkans, Civicus Monitor presents the recent Civic Space updates on the freedom of expression violations. According to the analysis, the right to information is vital during a public health emergency, and the

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