News and updates from BCSDN and the region
On October 4, severe floods hit multiple regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including Jablanica, Tarčin, Kiseljak, Kreševo, and Konjic. The devastation left homes submerged, roads blocked, and bridges destroyed. Many families suffered human and material losses. Rescue efforts are underway, with the EU Civil Protection Mechanism activated, sending teams to the affected areas. BCSDN stands
Read more →BCSDN, in a joint statement, strongly supports Serbian civil society, calling for an end to government repression and standing with activists defending democratic values and basic rights. Recent protests over corruption, environmental issues, and rigged elections—intensified by opposition to Rio Tinto’s mining plans—have faced government-led smear campaigns, intimidation, and arrests. In 10 days, 33 activists
Read more →EU is committed to promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, both within its member states and in candidate countries. These values are central to the EU’s enlargement policy, which prioritizes rule of law reforms, which features a “fundamentals first” approach. Recently, the EU has opened some of its key rule of law
Read more →Albania is set to open its first negotiating cluster with the EU on 15 October, marking a key step in its accession process. Meanwhile, North Macedonia is not expected to advance, even though it began its accession talks at the same time as Albania in 2022, facing delays due to Bulgaria’s likely veto over unresolved
Read more →In an open letter to key EU leaders, 415 CSOs from 26 Member States and 4 candidate countries urged prioritization of a vibrant civic space in the upcoming five years. They emphasize civil society’s vital role in democracy, human rights, and accountability but note a decline in civic freedoms, the rule of law, and democracy
Read more →The document addresses key questions regarding the European Cross-Border Associations (ECBA) Directive proposed by the European Commission and the following European Parliament resolution. It aims to clarify the Directive’s implications for civil society actors and outlines its potential to enhance cross-border cooperation among non-profit associations. The document was prepared by the informal coalition on the
Read more →In a joint statement, BCSDN expresses strong support for Serbian civil society, calling for an end to government repression and standing with them in their fight to protect democratic values and fundamental rights. Recent protests, fueled by corruption, environmental issues, and claims of rigged elections, with those surrounding Rio Tinto’s mining plans being the most
Read more →In a joint letter, EU CSOs and journalists, including ARTICLE 19, Civil Society Europe, and the European Federation of Journalists, expressed concerns over the EU’s proposed Foreign Interference Directive, part of the Defense of Democracy Package. They warn that its vague and broad regulations could jeopardize media freedom, particularly for organizations and media outlets funded
Read more →Liberties, and other human rights organizations, call for a stronger use of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights to enhance rights protection in the EU. Despite the Charter’s comprehensive framework, its effectiveness is hindered by a lack of transparency and underutilization of available tools. This, coupled with the European Commission’s slow and cautious approach, threatens
Read more →The selection of the next European Commissioner for Enlargement is critical amid ongoing European crises. The role requires a commitment to EU democratic values, strong support for enlargement, consensus-building skills, and stakeholder trust. Ursula von der Leyen has pledged to appoint a dedicated Commissioner for this portfolio in her next term, emphasizing that enlargement, particularly
Read more →The article reflects on the decline of EU foreign policy over the years, pointing out various key moments that contributed to its weakening. It suggests that EU foreign policy has struggled to maintain unity and effectiveness, particularly after events like the Eurozone crisis, Brexit, and conflicts on its borders. The EU’s failure to address energy
Read more →BCSDN member Civic Initiatives has released a report addressing Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) in Serbia and their effect on freedom of expression. SLAPPs are tactics employed by powerful entities like politicians and private companies to intimidate and silence critics through prolonged and costly legal battles. The report reviews Serbia’s legal framework, examines the
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