News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The European Federation of Journalists condemned the dismissal of N1 News Director Igor Božić, warning it raises serious concerns about the future of independent journalism in Serbia. Božić, currently unassigned pending a final decision, is supported by N1 staff and media organisations gathering in solidarity. His removal follows the restructuring of independent newsrooms under the
Read more →A joint statement by European and national human rights organisations raises serious concern over escalating repression of LGBTI+ activists and organisations in Türkiye, highlighting the court-ordered closure of Genç LGBTİ+ and legal cases against its board members and human rights defender Defne Güzel. The cases, based on “morality” and “obscenity” grounds, risk imprisonment and restrictions
Read more →A private criminal lawsuit filed by the Serbian company Millennium Team against N1 journalist Maja Nikolić has raised serious concerns among media freedom advocates, who warn that the case may be intended to intimidate journalists reporting in the public interest. The company is seeking a prison sentence of up to one year, accusing Nikolić of
Read more →On March 25, BCSDN member CRNVO organised a high-level consultative meeting in Podgorica on the draft Law on NGOs, bringing together government, EU, and civil society representatives to assess its impact on civic space. The discussion centred on whether the law would support civil society or introduce increased control. Representing BCSDN, Anja Bosilkova-Antovska raised concerns
Read more →The adoption of the Law on Transparency in the Representation of Interests in Bulgaria has sparked significant debate, particularly regarding its potential impact on civic space. While the law aims to regulate lobbying and increase transparency, concerns focus on its rushed adoption and broad scope, which does not clearly distinguish between public interest advocacy and
Read more →A new report by the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation reveals escalating threats against women human rights defenders worldwide, based on survey responses from nearly 800 activists in 81 countries. The State of Women Human Rights Defenders 2026 shows that 69 % of respondents have faced threats and harassment, with more than half identifying state actors as perpetrators,
Read more →BIRN Albania and SCiDEV have released a report assessing media freedom, pluralism, and journalist safety in Albania during 2025. The report examines legal reforms, institutional changes, and working conditions in the context of Albania’s EU accession process. While some procedural steps were taken to strengthen safeguards, structural challenges persist. Journalists continue to face pressure, intimidation,
Read more →Gender is increasingly weaponised in digital spaces across the region, with women activists, journalists, and public figures facing coordinated online backlash, particularly around International Women’s Day mobilisations. In Albania, feminist activists and journalists were targeted with disinformation and sexist smear campaigns, including attacks against reporters covering corruption. In Serbia, protests were framed as political manipulation,
Read more →A Turkish court’s decision to jail investigative journalist İsmail Arı has drawn strong criticism from media freedom advocates, who warn of growing pressure on independent journalism in Turkey. Detained on charges of spreading “misinformation,” Arı is seen by rights groups as being targeted for reporting on sensitive issues, including corruption and religious networks. Advocacy organisations
Read more →On 12 March 2026, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) organised a conference in Skopje bringing together CSOs, social partners, EU institutions and national authorities to discuss key priorities for North Macedonia’s EU accession process. The event focused on the role of organised civil society in accession negotiations and the implementation of the Reform
Read more →BCSDN member Partners Albania, together with 30 CSOs, has called on the Albanian Parliament to ensure that proposed amendments to its Rules of Procedure do not undermine transparency, parliamentary scrutiny, and public consultation in legislation related to EU integration. While recognising the need for efficiency during this intensive phase of accession negotiations, civil society stresses
Read more →A wave of coordinated bot attacks has targeted independent journalists and media outlets in Serbia, leading to the suspension or deletion of key Instagram accounts. Photojournalists Irena Radosavljević and Gavrilo Andrić, outlets including Nova.rs and OzonPress, and weekly publication Radar were hit by mass reporting from fake profiles. Some accounts were suspended for months, while
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