News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The article, published by the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, discusses the challenges and opportunities the Western Balkans region faces in its pursuit of EU accession. The region, has been hit by a series of crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic, Russian aggression against Ukraine, rising inflation, and an energy crisis. The article examines specific
Read more →The Institute for Democracy “Societas Civilis” Skopje (IDSCS) has released a policy brief on the importance of crisis prevention and critical infrastructure in the Western Balkans. The brief highlights the vulnerabilities of the region’s critical infrastructure, such as energy and transportation systems, to natural disasters and cyber-attacks. It calls for greater cooperation and coordination among
Read more →BCSDN and the ECNL organized a regional workshop on anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) in Skopje. The workshop brought together participants from civil society organizations, government agencies, and international organizations, with the aim of promoting multi-stakeholder dialogue and cooperation to develop effective policies and regulations that protect civic space while combating
Read more →BCSDN held its annual strategic meeting in Berovo, North Macedonia, from April 23 to 25. Representatives from member organizations and Executive Office staff attended the meeting, which aimed to align the network’s objectives and establish a shared impact vision. The meeting provided an opportunity for members to reflect on past experiences and gain a greater
Read more →The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is an ambitious plan to address global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and inequality. However, achieving these goals will require active participation from citizens worldwide. The article highlights the importance of civic participation in driving progress towards the SDGs. Through initiatives such as community-driven development, participatory
Read more →BCSDN member the Kosovar Civil Society Foundation (KCSF) has awarded the Democracy Award 2022 to Sebahate Hajdini Beqiri and Lend Mustafa for their contributions to the promotion of democracy and human rights in Kosovo. Sebahate Hajdini Beqiri is a journalist who has been involved in investigative journalism for over a decade, exposing corruption and promoting
Read more →The Center for the Study of Democracy published a report titled “Breaking the Code: Russian and Chinese Disinformation and Illicit Financial Flows in Southeast Europe.” The report highlights the methods and strategies used by Russia and China to spread disinformation and to conduct illicit financial activities in Southeast Europe. It also provides recommendations for policymakers
Read more →The regional report on enabling environment for CSO development has been published just a few days ago by BCSDN, finding that the enabling environment for civil society development in the Western Balkans and Turkey is lacking. The report analyzed the legal framework, political environment, financial sustainability, and institutional infrastructure of civil society in the region
Read more →BCSDN`s latest podcast episode is dedicated on the regional youth cooperation led trough the Regional Youth Cooperation Office. Established in 2016, according to the model of the Youth Franco-German Office for youth cooperation, the Regional Youth Cooperation Office – RYCO, was supposed to be the shining example of co-management and youth representation that would promote
Read more →The CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE) has launched a survey to gather feedback from CSOs on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The survey aims to assess the progress made by governments and other stakeholders in achieving the SDGs and to identify areas where more action is needed. The survey will cover
Read more →The CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE) and the International Civil Society Support (ICSO) have released a sector study on the implications of the Istanbul Principles and the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) recommendations for enabling civil society. The study examines how the Istanbul Principles and the DAC recommendations can enhance the enabling environment for CSOs
Read more →The Aspen Institute Germany has released a Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, which outlines a roadmap for the region to transition towards a more sustainable and green future. The agenda was developed in consultation with stakeholders from the Western Balkans region and provides recommendations for policymakers and civil society on promoting green growth, decarbonizing
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