News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Convened by the President of the General Assembly, the SDG Summit 2023 marks the halfway point to the deadline set for achieving the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Summit on September 18-19, 2023, in New York, aims to address global crises and renew enthusiasm for this agenda. CPDE’s involvement includes
Read more →The proposal stems from the EP resolution of 17 February 2022, aiming to promote associations and other NPOs in the EU in completing the internal market, protecting their fundamental rights, and fostering an EU democratic space. The European Commission answered positively sharing the need to create an enabling environment for the non-profit sector, out of
Read more →More than a year has passed since the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE) concluded its unprecedented, deliberative exercise that put citizens front and centre in the discussions on the future of the EU. An inter-institutional effort by the EC, EP, and the Council, the CoFoE brought citizens together in four transnational citizens’ panels
Read more →BCSDN is glad to announce its newly re-elected Board members, made up of esteemed member representatives: Aida Daguda, Director, CPCD, Klotilda Kosta, Director of Programs, Partners Albania, Rana Kotan, Secretary General, TUSEV, Taulant Hoxha, Executive Director, KCSF, Tina Divljak, Head of Advocacy, CNVOS. Along with, Maja Stojanovic, Director of Civic Initiatives, and Snezhana Kamilovska Trpovska,
Read more →We are thrilled to announce the continuation of BCSDN’s partnership with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) through a newly granted 4-year project. In the forthcoming period, the Hub will enhance the cooperation and resilience of CSOs in the Western Balkans with the aim to facilitate CSO and multi-stakeholder collaboration and contribute to promoting
Read more →Daphne Foundation produced a new report for CASE showing the urgent need for strong anti-SLAPP legislation across Europe, including Daphne’s Law, the directive proposed by the European Commission which the Council of the EU is threatening to undermine. The 2023 report provides the most recent overview of the data collected for CASE on a rolling
Read more →Despite ongoing efforts by civil society, activists, and academia, the anti-defamation law was passed in Republika Srpska on 20 July, sparking international criticism. This is not the sole threat to Bosnia and Herzegovina democratic freedoms. Republika Srpska’s proposed “foreign agents” law, utilized to stifle critical voices is another risk. Criminalizing defamation and introducing the “foreign
Read more →European Policy Centre has published the PAR monitor for 2021/2022 highlighting that strong and resilient institutions matter, along with sound and inclusive policies and processes, skilled administrative capacities, and technological enablers that are crucial to delivering better lives and livelihoods. The PAR Monitor 2021/2022 is the result of monitoring work performed during 2022 by the
Read more →Despite ongoing efforts by civil society, activists, and academia, the anti-defamation law was passed in Republika Srpska on July 20, sparking international criticism. This is not the sole threat to Bosnia and Herzegovina democratic freedoms. Republika Srpska’s proposed “foreign agents” law, utilized to stifle critical voices is another risk. Criminalizing defamation and introducing the “foreign
Read more →We, the Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN), express our deepest sympathy to those affected by this devasting floods in Slovenia and who have experienced the loss of loved ones and homes. As a response, individuals, activists, and CSOs have come together to help those in need. Rescue teams have been mobilized, and donations of
Read more →CASE Coalition of which BCSDN member Civic Initiatives is a part, was involved in a public consultations on CoE Draft Recommendation to counter SLAPPs. They endorse the approval of the text by the Committee of Ministers and will continue to support CoE’s efforts in combating SLAPPs and ensuring the implementation of the draft by member states.
Read more →CPDE engaged in OECD DAC Civil Society Days, discussing local-led development, partnership changes, and CSO empowerment. Prioritizing community roles, attendees emphasized diverse perspectives for effective development. CPDE presented their equitable partnership report, addressing power imbalances. Challenges in funding relations were tackled, advocating for genuine partnerships. UNDP highlighted flexible modalities for local-led development. Communication strategies focused
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