News and updates from BCSDN and the region
EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos addressed concerns about Serbia’s political situation in both an open letter and a speech at the European Parliament plenary debate. In the letter, she responded to Serbian academia, political representatives, and CSOs, stressing the need to respect freedom of assembly. She condemned violence against demonstrators, urged a full investigation
Read more →After years of advocacy by EU CSOs, including European Civic Forum (ECF), the European Commission has added a Civil Society Strategy to its 2025 work plan. This milestone comes amid growing threats to civic space—restrictive laws, funding limits, harassment, and smear campaigns, including recent attacks by EPP MEPs on European NGOs. The strategy aims to
Read more →As of 1 February, the European Commission has launched the Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST) to oversee enlargement policy, accession talks, and regional cooperation. It will manage communication on enlargement benefits, as well as financial and technical assistance for candidate countries and Eastern Neighbourhood states, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus. DG ENEST
Read more →BCSDN strongly condemns the ongoing smear campaign against prominent civil society activist Maja Stojanović, Executive Director of Civic Initiatives and BCSDN Board Member, as well as broader attacks on independent civil society in Serbia. While public smearing of Civic Initiatives has persisted for months, recent weeks have seen intensified disinformation and intimidation, particularly in response
Read more →Following the abrupt suspension of U.S. foreign assistance, including the USAID funding, hundreds of projects now face uncertainty worldwide and in the Western Balkans. The three-month halt under President Trump’s Executive Order has stalled work by CSOs, independent media, and human rights initiatives, forcing many organizations to reduce staff or suspend activities. Programs supporting judicial
Read more →Western Balkans civil society networks, along with BCSDN are organizing an advocacy event in Brussels on February 25, bringing together civil society and think tank networks from the Western Balkans alongside EU stakeholders to discuss the future of EU enlargement. The event will focus on preserving the integrity of the enlargement process, maintaining the EU’s
Read more →On 17-20, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is organizing Civil Society Week, bringing together civil society stakeholders across Europe to address polarisation and strengthen democratic engagement. As overlapping crises—from economic downturns to climate change and widening disparities—deepen societal divisions, the urgency to foster cohesion and participation has never been greater. The outcomes of
Read more →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 →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 →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 →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 →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
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