What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

BCSDN Analysis of the 2024 EC Enlargement Package: The Need for Clear Benchmarks to Strengthen Civil Society in Enlargement Countries

We are pleased to present BCSDN’s 15th analysis of the European Commission’s reports on civil society development and its dialogue with public institutions. Although the European Commission provides an analysis of the civil society environment, some critical aspects are overlooked and are addressed in our findings. Based on the BCSDN Monitoring Matrix, this year’s analysis

Read more →

Regional Conference and Anti-SLAPP Contest: Voices Without Fear in the Western Balkans

The Regional Conference on SLAPPs, held in Belgrade on 28 November, brought together activists, journalists, legal experts, and civil society to address the misuse of SLAPPs in the Western Balkans. During the panel “Protection Mechanisms: Can We Rely on Our Legal Systems for Protection?” BCSDN ED Biljana Spasovska spoke about aligning regional efforts with international

Read more →

OECD Practical Guide for Policymakers on Protecting and Promoting Civic Space

The Practical Guide for Policymakers builds on the OECD’s 2022 global report on civic space, offering actionable steps to protect and promote it as a cornerstone of democracy. Drawing from insights across 52 countries, it outlines 10 key recommendations, addressing freedoms of association, expression, and assembly, alongside online and media protections. The guide emphasizes the

Read more →

Global Expression Report 2024: Half the World Faces a Freedom of Expression Crisis

The latest global analysis reveals a growing freedom of expression crisis, with over half the world’s population—4.2 billion people in 39 countries—now living under severe restrictions. In 2023, India’s downgrade to “Crisis” significantly contributed to this increase. Despite some positive shifts in countries like Brazil and Fiji, declines outnumber improvements. Key trends highlight worsening conditions

Read more →

Foreign Agents’ Laws vs. Dynamic Accountability: How CSOs Can Defend Civic Space 

The BCSDN virtual event “Weaponizing Accountability: Countering Foreign Agents’ Laws and Narratives” convened experts from Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Turkey, and the Western Balkans on November 6-8 to address restrictive foreign agents’ laws stigmatizing CSOs. Day 1 highlighted strategies to counter government-imposed narratives labeling CSOs as foreign threats, while Day 2 focused on building civil society

Read more →

New Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos Pledges for Merit-Based Accession Process

During her European Parliament hearing, Commissioner-designate for Enlargement Marta Kos outlined her plans for EU enlargement. She emphasized that despite new geopolitical pressures, the process will remain merit-based. Kos stressed the importance of political commitment, especially in areas like justice reform and anti-corruption, while warning against stagnation or backsliding. She also highlighted the EU’s role

Read more →

Civil Society Presents Key Recommendations to Strengthen the Berlin Process

At the Berlin Process Summit in October, the Civil Society and Think Tank Forum (CSF) presented policy recommendations to leaders from the Western Balkans, EU, and UK. Developed by over 115 civil society organizations across seven thematic groups, these recommendations focused on pressing issues: EU integration, reconciliation, gender diversity, energy, climate change, environmental protection, and

Read more →

BCSDN Virtual Event: Countering Foreign Agents Laws and Narratives with Dynamic Accountability [November 6th & 8th, 14h CET]

Foreign agents’ laws, already widespread across Europe, are now encroaching on the Western Balkans and Turkey. How can civil society effectively respond to the rising trend? Can dynamic accountability approaches counter harmful narratives? BCSDN is hosting a two-day virtual event, on November 6th and 8th at 14h CET to explore these pressing questions. During the

Read more →

2024 EU Enlargement Package Released, BCSDN’s In-Depth Analysis on Key Civil Society Findings for Western Balkans Coming Soon!

The European Commission’s latest Enlargement Package evaluates the progress of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, and Türkiye on their EU accession paths. Civil society in the Western Balkans operates in diverse conditions, from largely enabling in Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, to challenging in Albania and constrained in

Read more →

BCSDN at EESC Enlargement High-Level Forum: Shaping the EU’s Path with Civil Society and Core Democratic Values

EESC hosted the Enlargement High-Level Forum in Brussels on October 24, where over 140 representatives from civil society, governments, and EU institutions, including BCSDN members’ representatives, as a part ECMI initiative discussed the critical role of civil society in the EU accession process. The forum emphasized a collaborative approach for a “values-driven” enlargement, aligning candidate

Read more →

CPCD’s 2023 Monitoring Matrix Report on Civil Society Environment in BiH: Increasing Threats to Fundamental Freedoms

BCSDN member, Center for Civil Society Promotion (CPCD), published the 2023 report on the civil society environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The report outlines both enabling aspects and critical challenges faced by CSOs. While CSOs maintain certain freedoms, such as the ability to register and operate with access to foreign funding, numerous obstacles persist. Key

Read more →