News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Catalyst Balkans and BCSDN present the third edition of “Mapping Donors in the Western Balkans”. The report provides valuable insights into the current donor landscape, focusing on bilateral, multilateral, and private foundations, and corporate donors supporting civil society. Key questions addressed include the donors’ activity levels, areas of focus, and interactions with funded organizations. The
Read more →The Global Partnership conducts a country-led monitoring exercise to enhance the effectiveness of development cooperation, tracking progress based on four principles. This monitoring is crucial for meeting SDG targets 17.15, 17.16, and 5. c. The CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE) planned activities, including training on civil society engagement, launching a report summarizing evidence and
Read more →During the December plenary, EESC discussed the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, emphasizing the importance of impact assessments as the foundation of this EU strategic autonomy effort. They proposed an increased role for EESC in decision-making regarding Global Gateway development projects. This initiative, introduced a decade after China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), could contribute to
Read more →The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders discusses the use of EU visas as a protective measure for human rights defenders (HRDs), individuals working to promote and protect human rights worldwide. The paper outlines scenarios where HRDs could benefit from easier access to EU visas. These situations include immediate risks, anticipated risks, addressing burnout
Read more →Despite widespread concerns expressed by the European Civic Forum and European CSOs in consultations, meetings, and letters, the European Commission has decided to press ahead with a foreign funding directive as part of its Defence of Democracy package. BCSDN stands united against the adoption of the Foreign Agent Registration Law. Civil society is the backbone
Read more →As the 20th anniversary of the Union’s pivotal expansion is approaching, the Grassroots View podcast delivered by EESC, a series delving into the intricate dynamics of EU enlargement, offered insights into the Western Balkans, navigating the European Parliament’s role, tackling the concept of ‘enlargement fatigue,’ and considering alternative pathways to EU membership. BCSDN Executive Director,
Read more →In the annual “Civilka” conference organized by BCSDN member Center for the Promotion of Civil Society (CPCD) in BiH, over 70 representatives from diverse sectors explored the challenges facing CSOs. The focus was on the unregulated state of the civil society sector, specifically the lack of clear categorization and transparency in financing from the public
Read more →The EU’s Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations has successfully concluded screening meetings with Albania and North Macedonia. Spanning over a year with 167 sessions and over 3000 experts involved, the meetings mark a crucial step in the accession process. The screening process involved an in-depth analysis of alignment with EU rules and policies, with
Read more →The European Commission has adopted a recommendation to member states to promote the engagement and effective participation of citizens and CSOs in public policy-making processes. It addresses key factors to ensure meaningful participation. The package emphasizes inclusiveness and integrity by utilizing best practices in democratic lotteries. Emphasis on training and information sessions is included for
Read more →The 2023 State of Civil Society Report from CIVICUS, the global civil society alliance explores trends in civil society action across various domains, including democracy, inclusion, climate justice, and global governance reform in 2022. Drawing from the ongoing analysis initiative CIVICUS LENS, launched in January 2022, the report incorporates the voices of civil society directly
Read more →BCSDN has released its 14th analysis of the European Commission’s annual reports assessing civil society development in the Western Balkans and Türkiye. The largest ever Enlargement Package seems to show reinvigorated energy and greater prospects for accession than in the last decade, in spite of growing challenges such as political polarization and shrinking space for
Read more →BCSDN joined over 80 CSOs and 180 individuals worldwide to endorse a statement urging the United Nations to appoint a Special Rapporteur on Democracy. The joint appeal, ahead of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, emphasizes the interdependence of democracy and human rights. It specifies that the proposed Rapporteur, created by
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