What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

OECD Working Paper: Towards Meaningful Civil Society Participation at the International Level

The OECD Working Paper examines the importance of structured, inclusive, and effective civil society participation in international decision-making. As global challenges become more complex, international organizations increasingly recognize the need to incorporate diverse perspectives to enhance legitimacy, foster trust, and improve policymaking. However, participation remains inconsistent, requiring strong legal frameworks, transparent engagement strategies, and a

Read more →

Civic Initiatives Publishes 2023 Report on the Civil Society Environment in Serbia

Together with our member, Civic Initiatives, we present the 2023 Report on the Civil Society Environment in Serbia. As per report’s findings, fundamental freedoms of association, assembly and expression, continue to be violated, particularly during the pre- and post-election period. CSOs face targeted campaigns, intimidation and SLAPP lawsuits. Legal frameworks are insufficient to support volunteering,

Read more →

Opinion: What 2025 Holds for EU and Balkans?

In 2025, the EU has a unique opportunity to push forward Balkan integration. The removal of land borders between Bulgaria, Romania, and the Schengen area marks a significant step towards full integration, with economic benefits for businesses and citizens. Additionally, Bulgaria’s long-awaited entry into the eurozone is set for 2026, offering economic stability and growth.

Read more →

Targeted Stakeholder Consultation for 2025 EC Rule of Law Report (Deadline: 24 January)

The European Commission has launched a targeted stakeholder consultation for the Rule of Law report, running until 24 January, with an additional consultation on the single market dimension. The consultation invites contributions from organizations addressing justice systems, corruption, media pluralism, and checks and balances, including European networks, NGOs, national associations (e.g., judges’ and journalists’ groups),

Read more →

Call to Civil Society in BiH to Participate in Consultations on Proposed Actions of the Multi-Country IPA Program 2025-2027 (Deadline: 27 January)

The Directorate for European Integration/Office of the National IPA Coordinator (DIPAK) in Bosnia and Herzegovina invites civil society, along with the academic community, experts, and social partners, to participate in consultations on the draft proposals for actions under the Multi-Country IPA Program 2025-2027. The Commission has provided nine draft proposals across four thematic areas: Window

Read more →

EFCSN Criticizes Meta’s Decision to End Fact-Checking Program and Condemns Censorship Claims

The European Fact-Checking Standards Network (EFCSN) expressed disappointment over Meta’s decision to end its Third-Party Fact-Checking Program in the U.S., condemning CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s claims linking fact-checking to censorship. EFCSN argues that fact-checking adds valuable context to public discourse and counters misinformation, emphasizing that it is not censorship. The network criticizes Zuckerberg’s statement about political

Read more →

Thank You for Being Part of Our 2024 Journey – Happy Holidays!

BCSDN wishes you a successful and inspiring start to 2025! As we reflect on 2024, we celebrate key achievements that strengthened our mission to protect civic space and empower civil society. These include the updated Monitoring Matrix Tool-Kit 2.0, the 2023 Regional Report on Civil Society Environment, which shed light on challenges such as rising

Read more →

BCSDN at the Third Session of the Council for Coordination and Monitoring of the Open Government Partnership Process 2024-2026 in North Macedonia

BCSDN’s Head of Policy and Advocacy, Anja Bosilkova-Antovska, participated in the third session of the Council for Coordination and Monitoring of the Open Government Partnership Process 2024-2026 in North Macedonia on December 23, discussing updates and challenges in implementing the National Action Plan for Open Government 2024-2026. Insights from the Open Government Partnership Western Balkans

Read more →

The General Affairs Council of the European Union Adopts Enlargement Conclusions, Highlights Next Steps for Candidate Countries

The EU’s General Affairs Council (GAC) reaffirmed its commitment to enlargement, emphasizing the strategic importance of EU membership for the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova. Montenegro remains the most advanced candidate, with Member States ready to begin “in due time” preparations for the accession treaty of the country. The Council urged Serbia to show strong

Read more →

WeBER III Platform Policy Brief: Law on Senior Civil Service – Is the Government Hesitant to Adopt it?

The latest WeBER policy brief on the Law on Senior Civil Service emphasizes the need for a professional, impartial, and effective public administration as a cornerstone of democracy. Merit-based recruitment, especially for senior civil servants, ensures transparent selection processes, aligns decisions with ethical standards and government priorities, and strengthens institutional integrity. By prioritizing competencies over

Read more →

BCSDN 2023 Regional Report on Civil Society Environment: A Complex Reality for CSOs in the Western Balkans and Türkiye!

We gladly present our 10th Monitoring Matrix Regional Report, synthesizing insights from the BCSDN members country reports on the civil society environment in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Türkiye in 2023. Under revised methodology, the report evaluates 22 standards across three core areas: Basic Freedoms, Financial Viability, and State-CSO Relations.

Read more →