News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The EU’s strategic agenda for 2024-2029 prioritizes further enlargement, a new emphasis compared to previous plans. Adopted by the European Council, the agenda introduces the concept of “gradual integration” for future EU members, aiming for reforms and progress in parallel. While experts welcome the focus on enlargement, some critics argue that the term “gradual integration”
Read more →Civic space in the Western Balkans is shrinking, with activists and journalists facing SLAPP suits, media restrictions, and public smear campaigns. We recognize SLAPPs as a crucial topic related to one of the key standards for ensuring an enabling environment for civil society in WBT – the legal guarantees and respect of the fundamental freedoms
Read more →On 24-25 June, the Point 12 Conference in Sarajevo brought together global activists, journalists, academics, and civil society leaders. Organized by CA “Why not” with ACTION SEE and SEE Check networks, the event focused on democracy threats worldwide, media integrity, fact-checking, and new technologies to surpass attacks. BCSDN Executive Director Ms. Biljana Spasovska presented the
Read more →On 11-12 June, the International Conference on Freedom of Association took place in Istanbul, organized by BCSDN member TÜSEV and STGM. Experts from Turkey, Europe, the Balkans, and the USA discussed global laws affecting civic space and civil society’s responses to evolving challenges. During the session “Global Civil Society Agenda and the Role of International
Read more →On 11-13 June in Belgrade, EU TACSO 3 organized the EU Civil Society Forum for the Western Balkans and Türkiye. The event emphasized the need for clear mechanisms for civil society involvement in the Growth Plan, addressing challenges in the enabling environment, diversifying funding, fostering partnerships, and direct engagement with constituencies. BCSDN members’ representatives, including
Read more →The new thematic study: “Civil society support to refugees and other migrants in Europe: the need to end the backlash on civil society space” delivered by the Expert Council on NGO Law of the Conference of INGOs examines how European civil society, particularly NGOs and solidarity networks supporting refugees and migrants, face increasing legal and
Read more →This manual aims to foster a culture of civil dialogue among EU public officials by offering trainers exercises to raise awareness and implement principles of engagement and accessibility in EU policymaking. Referencing the Better Regulation Toolbox, particularly Chapter 7 on Stakeholder Consultation, the training operationalizes key concepts and reflects on civil society participation needs. It
Read more →Civic space in the Western Balkans is shrinking, with activists and journalists facing SLAPP suits, media restrictions, and public smear campaigns. We recognize SLAPPs as a crucial topic related to one of the key standards for ensuring an enabling environment for civil society in WBT – the legal guarantees and respect of the fundamental freedoms
Read more →North Macedonia’s recent parliamentary and presidential elections ushered in a return of the right-wing VMRO-DPMNE party, signaling a potential shift away from EU integration efforts. VMRO-DPMNE, known for its nationalist stance and attacks on civil society during past governance, secured victories in the last elections. The party capitalized on public frustration over slow EU negotiations,
Read more →A recent IRI poll reveals that while a majority in Western Balkan countries would vote for EU membership, significant portions doubt the EU’s sincerity in offering it. In North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, 68% would vote for EU accession, 79% in Montenegro, 89% in Kosovo, and 92% in Albania. Serbia stands out as more
Read more →On May 28-29, BCSDN organized the SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) Multistakeholder Workshop in Tirana, bringing together CSO representatives, activists, journalists, media workers, and legal experts from the Western Balkans and EU. The event focused on addressing SLAPP threats to freedom of expression and public participation, sharing personal experiences, and discussing regional research, legal
Read more →The Western Balkans Civil Society High-Level Conference, held on 24 May in Ljubljana, brought together EESC members, Slovenian officials, and civil society representatives from the Western Balkans, including BCSDN representatives. The event facilitated exchanges on necessary reforms in the Western Balkans and the EU to uphold the enlargement policy as a key EU success. Discussions
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