News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The European Commission has introduced a new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, aimed at extending EU membership benefits to the EU accession countries. The plan would enable the region to step up reforms and investments to accelerate the speed of the enlargement process and the growth of countries’ economies. It includes a proposed 6
Read more →The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to address the challenges obstructing the achievement of UN SDGs and calls for a long-term EU political commitment beyond 2030. To accelerate progress, EESC advocates transitioning from a siloed to a holistic approach, involving various societal sectors and establishing a
Read more →In the face of challenges such as regulatory proliferation and threats to civil society space, Philea has actively advocated for the interests of foundations, striking a balance between security and capital flow. Progress has been made in recognizing the vital role of foundations and non-profit organizations, particularly in navigating OECD Common Reporting Standards. The European
Read more →The CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE) and the Reality of Aid published the Private Sector Watch: Global Synthesis Report 2023. The report compiles national and subnational case studies from CPDE members worldwide. It examines the impact of Private Sector Engagement (PSE) on diverse sectors, including women, youth, workers, farmers, fisherfolk, and Indigenous Peoples. The
Read more →BCSDN expresses deep concerns about the shrinking civic space in Bosnia and Herzegovina, urging authorities to reverse harmful policies against civic actors. The ongoing political crisis has heightened pressures on civil society, resulting in laws that jeopardize democracy, fundamental rights, and civic operations. Recent changes, like amendments to the Republika Srpska Criminal Code that re-criminalize
Read more →From October 30th to November 1st, BCSDN members’ representatives gathered for a productive workshop in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, addressing crucial developments in the civil society enabling environment in Western Balkans and Turkey. The workshop focused on revising the BCSDN Monitoring Matrix Toolkit, with discussions spanning key areas, standards, and indicators. The sessions explored critical
Read more →Civil Society Europe has filed a complaint against the European Commission for refusing public access to a study commissioned on the Defence of democracy package. The complaint, received by the European Ombudsman, outlines the EC denial of access to the study and related documents, citing the ongoing nature of the study. The complainant, a civil
Read more →Globally, governments are increasingly limiting civil society and suppressing dissent. A prevalent strategy employed by them involves introducing laws specifically aimed at CSOs receiving international funding. This brief outlines instances where the U.S. Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA) has been cited to support such legislation. Although FARA has historically been narrowly applied within the United
Read more →The ongoing political crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina has led to increased pressures on civil society and media in the country, materializing in controversial laws and regulations that have the potential to undermine the foundations of democracy, erode fundamental rights, and severely limit the operations of civic actors. We invite you to join us for
Read more →On 19-20 October 2023, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) organized the 9th Western Balkans Civil Society Forum in Thessaloniki. Discussing the impact of geopolitical shifts on the WB and the EU’s enlargement policy, obstacles faced by the region in their accession path, the role of civil society, and ways to monitor civil society
Read more →European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights FRA’s ‘Civic Space Update 2023 highlights civil society challenges. Examples include strategic lawsuits (SLAPPs) and actions against those involved in migrant search and rescue at sea or against those representing vulnerable groups. It also addresses civil society financing. It also examines recent changes to the challenges holding back civil
Read more →For the last three decades, the climate COPs have represented a milestone in the global climate agenda, and with the effects of climate change becoming more and more visible, international, and cross-sectoral collaboration on climate is increasingly critical. Still, for many philanthropy practitioners, the COPs feel opaque, and their significance for their own work is
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