News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The European Parliament held a public hearing on 20 March, discussing on the Future of Europe, featuring topics such as the Conference on the Future of Europe and the European Parliament’s Treaty Change Resolution. The members of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) assessed progress and future steps, aiming to enhance EU competences, while discussions
Read more →The Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Transformation Index (BTI), which analyzes transformation processes toward democracy and a market economy in international comparison and identifies successful strategies for peaceful change, presents its 2024 results for Eastern European countries. Despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine causing anxiety, the report presents fostered cooperation and a shift towards Western alignment. Progress in democratization,
Read more →Bosnia and Herzegovina has received green light for EU accession negotiations, marking significant progress. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the decision, citing BiH’s alignment with EU policies and adoption of crucial laws, such as the Law on Prevention of Conflict of Interest, and the Law on Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing
Read more →In its latest opinion, EESC emphasizes the need to enhance citizen participation, as outlined in Article 11 of the Treaty of the European Union, and calls for a coherent strategy for civil dialogue, proposing an action plan and a potential interinstitutional agreement among EU bodies. It suggests making Article 11 more effective by reinforcing actors
Read more →The 2024 CIVICUS State of Civil Society Report highlights global trends in civil society action, addressing conflicts, democracy, inclusion, and climate justice. Drawing from CIVICUS Lens and over 250 interviews/articles covering 100+ countries, the report emphasizes civil society’s response to crises, despite obstacles and repression. Civil society remains a vital source of hope, holding the
Read more →In an open letter to the EU institutions, 41 organizations specializing in democratic innovation urge the prioritization, promotion, and stimulation of democratic innovation and citizen engagement. Recognizing the increasing challenges to democracy, including disillusionment and disengagement, the letter emphasizes the need for bold measures. The organizations propose integrating citizen deliberation processes with clear objectives, quality
Read more →The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) hosted the annual Civil Society Week, gathering over 800 representatives from CSOs and youth groups to discuss the future of the EU and the upcoming elections. The key messages included a call for more resilient democracies and youth involvement, combatting misinformation, prioritizing an economy that works for people
Read more →The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has welcomed representatives from nine EU candidate countries to participate in the Enlargement Candidate Members’ (ECM) Initiative, marking their first involvement in EESC Plenary debates. BCSDN is delighted to announce that among those joining are four BCSDN representatives, including Ms. Biljana Spasovska, BCSDN’s Executive Director, Ms. Juliana Hoxha,
Read more →The Civil Society Week 2024, organized by EESC, will convene diverse voices from various sectors, including youth, journalists, and EU institutions, to discuss pressing topics on Europe’s future and democracy. Held in Brussels, #CivSocWeek will feature workshops, debates, and networking opportunities, aiming to empower citizens and influence European leaders’ agendas. As part of this event,
Read more →The Democracy Perception Index (DPI) surveys people across 53 countries, representing over 75% of the world’s population, to gauge global perspectives on democracy. Although 84% express the importance of democracy, only 57% are satisfied with the state in their country. Economic inequality (69%), corruption (68%), and corporate influence (60%) are perceived as major threats. Concerns
Read more →The Fundamental Rights Forum 2024, organized by the EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), aims to shape Europe’s rights-based future. Focusing on themes like climate change, technological advances, and threats to democracy, the Forum provides space for dialogue and action. Participants will engage in the Marketplace of Connection, Forum Stage with global leaders, and the Human
Read more →The Freedom House Report 2024, highlights global freedom decline for the 18th year, impacting one-fifth of the world’s population due to armed conflicts, attacks on pluralism, and harming elections. The Western Balkans and Turkey countries’ reports reveal that Serbia experiences deteriorating political rights and civil liberties, marked by irregularities and media bias in recent local
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