News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Skopje was the backdrop for the third convention of the Engaged Democracy Initiative (EDI), where nearly 100 activists, journalists, and changemakers converged from across the Western Balkans. Hosted by the European Fund for the Balkans (EFB) from 21-23 May, the event carried the theme “Engage, Inspire, Empower!” and tackled pressing regional issues, including environmental degradation,
Read more →Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – The civil society landscape in the Western Balkans is facing unprecedented challenges, a critical issue highlighted at the 13th POINT…
Read more →The triple nexus discourse—linking humanitarian, development, and peace efforts—has emerged in response to a world marked by escalating conflict, widespread fragility, and increasing humanitarian needs. Today, one quarter of the global population lives in fragile contexts, and signs of fragility are becoming evident in more countries than ever before. Observers warn that no country is
Read more →Civic space in the Western Balkans and Türkiye is under threat. Governments are enacting restrictive laws, silencing media, and using financial and legal pressure to marginalize civil society. Protest rights are curtailed, defamation is criminalized, and SLAPP lawsuits target activists and journalists. With public funding scarce and politically controlled, independent CSOs struggle to operate, leaving
Read more →As civic space across Europe faces increasing pressure, understanding how EU law can be used to defend fundamental rights and civil society’s operating environment has become more crucial than ever. EU law provides important tools to protect fundamental rights and safeguard space for civil society, rooted in the EU’s founding values—human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality,
Read more →Hungary has become the first EU member state to ban and criminalize a Pride march, marking a significant escalation in its clampdown on civil liberties. Authorities not only prohibited the peaceful demonstration, but also launched investigations into organizers and deployed facial recognition technology to track and fine attendees—raising serious concerns about fundamental rights violations. The
Read more →In the context of the challenges faced by today’s EU democracies, the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU proposed drafting to prepare a set of conclusions on strengthening EU democratic resilience. Despite broad support to the text in the General Affairs Council, the Ministers did not reach a consensus on the document. The
Read more →Health NGOs are facing new restrictions on the use of EU funds, as the European Commission moves to bar advocacy and lobbying activities from eligibility under its grants. The decision follows similar actions taken earlier against environmental groups and comes amid growing pressure from right-wing lawmakers demanding greater transparency in NGO funding. Several Brussels-based health
Read more →Skopje, May 10, 2025 – The Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN) released its latest policy brief, “The Missing Piece: Why Civic Space Must Be…
Read more →The Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN) took part in the 10th Western Balkans Civil Society Forum, organized in Budva on 13 and 14 May, by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). Bringing together representatives of civil society, social partners, EU institutions, and regional stakeholders, the Forum provided a platform to discuss the state
Read more →Serbia’s EU membership aspirations faced a setback as it remains excluded from membership projections until 2029. This skepticism arises from stalled reforms, political unrest, and Serbia’s alignment with Russia. Although Serbia shows technical readiness for Cluster 3 negotiations, EU officials doubt its commitment. Concerns include slow progress on media freedom, electoral reform, and alignment with
Read more →In a stark warning from his 2025 report, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has highlighted that Europe is facing a “perfect storm” of crises. These include ongoing wars, significant geopolitical shifts, a decline in democratic values, and the rise of nationalism. Berset stressed that these challenges seriously threaten the peace and stability that
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