What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

CfA: Euro-Atlantic Academy Open Call (Deadline May 10)

Target Group: For individuals interested in careers with NATO, the EU, and other international or domestic security-related institutions. Countries: North Macedonia Short Description: The program covers national and international security systems, security strategy development, and crisis management (natural disasters, terrorism, cyberattacks, propaganda, and refugee crises). Key benefits include a broad thematic scope, high-level lecturers, and

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CfA: Online Stakeholder Sessions on Mobility-Driven R&I in the Western Balkans (11, 17 & 29 April)

Target group: Policy researchers, experts, civil society actors, academics, and government stakeholders from the WB6 and EU Location: Online (via Zoom) Short Description: SCiDEV invites stakeholders to join a series of online consultations focused on enhancing mobility-driven research and innovation (R&I) in the Western Balkans. Supported by the Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans, the

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CfA: The Global Right – A Challenge for Liberal Democracy (27 April, Vienna)

Target group: Civil society actors, journalists, researchers, political analysts, and the general public Location: Burgtheater, Vienna Short Description: As global right-wing networks challenge democratic institutions and values, this Debating Europe panel discussion will explore how authoritarian and populist movements operate across borders. Experts will examine the role of digital platforms in spreading anti-democratic narratives and

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CfA: Research Consultant – “Digital Oligarchy: How Tech Billionaires Are Reshaping Democracy” (Deadline: 21 April)

Democracy” (Deadline: 21 April) Target group: Experienced researchers, policy analysts, or digital rights experts (individuals or teams) Countries: Global/Remote Short Description: CIVICUS, through its Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI), is seeking a research consultant to investigate the growing influence of tech billionaires over democratic institutions, civic space, and digital governance. The study will explore how control

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CfA: Public Consultation on the European Democracy Shield (Open Until 26 May 2025)

Target group: Civil society organisations, academics, legal experts, policymakers, and EU citizens interested in democracy, fundamental rights, and rule of law Location: Online (EU Commission portal) Short description: The European Commission invites stakeholders to provide feedback on the upcoming European Democracy Shield, a new initiative aimed at addressing the most serious risks to democracy in

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CfA: FRA Consultation on Civil Society Experiences in the EU and Candidate Countries (Deadline: 7 April)

Target group: CSOs working on human rights, trade unions, faith-based actors, academic and social organisations Countries: EU Member States and selected candidate countries Short Description: The EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) is conducting its annual consultation to gather input from civil society organisations working on human rights. Covering experiences throughout 2024, the survey explores conditions

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CfA: Webinar on the New Early Warning and Alerts System for Civic Space (Happening: 10 April)

Target group: CSOs, activists, legal experts, and EU-level stakeholders concerned with civic freedoms Countries: EU Member States Short Description: Civil society across Europe is increasingly under pressure, with shrinking space for protest, association, and expression. In response, nine European organisations have launched the Early Warning and Alerts System as part of the MACS project. This

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CfA: PILnet Global Forum 2025, Rome – Amplifying Impact: Pro Bono & Public Interest Law in a Shifting World (Deadline: 9 May)

Target group: lawyers, in-house counsel, bar associations, representatives of civil society and academia Countries: Global Short Description: A global forum to explore innovative solutions, collaborate, and move the dial on access to justice, discussing how to best use pro bono and public interest lawyering to support nonprofit and civic organizations, and build more just, sustainable

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CfA: European Catalytic Grantmaking Survey 2025 (Deadline: N/A)

Target group: Grantmaking organisations and impact funders in Europe Countries: Europe-wide Short Description: The survey explores the concept of catalytic grantmaking—strategic, non-repayable support to organisations tackling social and environmental challenges that are not yet investment-ready. It aims to highlight the role of such grantmakers in de-risking early-stage solutions, attracting follow-on funding, and advancing the impact

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CfA: Emergency Edition of CIVILKA: “Operation Resistance” (Deadline: N/A)

Target group: Representatives of CSOs, associations, and foundations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Countries: BiH Short Description: BCSDN member CPCD is hosting an emergency edition of CIVILKA, “Operation Resistance,” to address urgent challenges facing civil society in BiH. This hybrid event (online & in-person in Sarajevo) will take place on March 17, 2025, at 12:00 PM.

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CfA: Webinar on Advancing Civic Space and Media Freedom through Anti-SLAPPs Legislation (Deadline: N/A)

Target group: CSOs, government representatives, media professionals, and legal experts working on civic space and media freedom. Countries: EU member states and broader European countries affected by SLAPPs. Short Description: A practical webinar exploring how national OGP processes can advance media freedom and civic space through legislative measures to counter SLAPPs. The event will discuss

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CfA: Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence 2025 (Deadline: 18 March)

Target group: Journalists from Central and South Eastern Europe. Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. Short Description: The Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence, organized by Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN), is awarding ten fellowships to journalists with compelling story ideas that require on-the-ground reporting. The program emphasizes

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