What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

Strengthening Philanthropy: Partners Albania Recommends Clear Rules for Donations and Sponsorships Law

Partners Albania, a BCSDN member, has submitted comprehensive recommendations on the draft Law on Donations and Sponsorships, advocating for a legal framework that balances transparency with operational ease. The organization urges lawmakers to avoid excessive administrative burdens that could stifle philanthropic activity, emphasizing that clear, simplified rules are essential for fostering public trust and sustaining

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An Evidence-Based Study on Support for Gender Equality in BiH

A new study on citizen attitudes in Bosnia and Herzegovina challenges the “anti-gender” narratives currently gaining traction in regional political discourse. Despite the country’s strong traditional and religious landscape, the research finds a robust majority in favor of equal opportunities in education, employment, and political participation. Crucially, the findings reveal that most citizens do not

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Beyond Formal Compliance: Closing the Gap in Digital Rights Enforcement in North Macedonia

A new analysis highlights a critical rift in North Macedonia’s digital landscape: while national laws are increasingly aligned with EU standards, a lack of robust enforcement leaves citizens vulnerable to “surveillance capitalism.” From daily app usage to AI-driven behavior tracking, personal data is frequently monetized and exploited with minimal oversight, turning the rule of law

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Global Alliance Calls for Human Rights-Centred DSA Enforcement

As enforcement of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) intensifies, the DSA Human Rights Alliance —a coalition including BCSDN partner Liberties—is calling on authorities to ensure that human rights remain at the heart of platform regulation. With the “Brussels Effect” likely to see these rules emulated globally, the Alliance warns that enforcement must be transparent,

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Albania: Criminal Code Amendments to Must be Strengthened to Ensure Full Decriminalisation of Defamation

The International Press Institute (IPI) has joined media freedom and journalist organisations in calling for the full decriminalisation of defamation in Albania, stressing that recent amendments to the Criminal Code, while a positive step, fall short of European standards. Approved on 21 January by the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration, the amendments

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Kosovo: YIHR Civic Education Activity Targeted After Municipal Education Directorate Statement

A civic education activity organised by the Serbian CSOs- Youth Initiative for Human Rights (YIHR) at “Xhevdet Doda” High School in Prishtina has sparked controversy following a public statement by the Municipality of Prishtina’s Directorate of Education. The session focused on the Kosovo Specialist Chambers—an institution established by the Assembly of Kosovo—and was conducted with

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European CSOs Call to the European Commission: Reverse the Withdrawal of the ECBA Directive

A coalition of civil society, non-profit, and philanthropic organizations has urged the European Commission to reverse its decision to withdraw the Directive on European Cross-Border Associations (ECBA). The Directive, approved by the European Parliament in March 2024, would allow associations operating in multiple EU countries to be recognised across borders under the same conditions as

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Serbia: European Parliament Mission to Serbia Highlights Tensions Over Reforms and Enlargement

A European Parliament fact-finding mission visited Serbia from 22–24 January to assess the political crisis, EU-related reforms, and democratic standards. During meetings in the National Assembly, pro-EU opposition parties called on the EU to remain actively engaged, urging conditionality linked to reforms, including the use of EU Growth Plan funds, and advocating for free and

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