News and updates from BCSDN and the region
On 18 January, MEPs adopted the resolution based on the Committee on Foreign Affairs’ annual report on implementing the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) for 2022. Part of the resolution refers to Serbia, where members of the EP expressed their regret for the resumed low level of alignment with the CFSP, especially regarding the
Read more →A Global Study published by Connecting Humanity examines the state of digital inequity. Based on survey responses from 7500+ participants across 136 countries, providing the largest-ever mapping of the digital barriers facing CSOs, and those encountered by the communities they serve. The study offers data across various issues, including access, affordability, digital skills, policy, and
Read more →In its latest analysis, the European Western Balkans focuses on the regional security issues that feature prominently among the main political developments expected in the region in 2023. The publication analyses the question, “What are the political events and developments to watch in the Western Balkans in 2023?”, are examined by prominent regional experts dealing
Read more →The Aspen Institute Germany and the Southeast Europe Association have published the recommendations-based conference report from the Civil Society and Think Tank Forum of the Western Balkans Summit, which happened in Berlin in late 2022. Key subjects of this year’s CSF were the Green Agenda, sustainable infrastructure investments, information disorder, and the EU integration process
Read more →The European Policy Institute – Skopje has published a policy brief that examines thoroughly the Open Balkan Initiative. Although regional cooperation is not a newly introduced concept, the publication emphasizes that what makes this idea different from the previous ones, is that it is homeborn, created, and led by the countries themselves. The document further
Read more →Friends of Europe’s flagship annual high-level roundtable has recognized that the hardship imposed on citizens across Europe by the economic impact of Russia’s war has given added urgency to the need for a Renewed Social Contract. The follow-up report from the roundtable, suggests that the contract must define the role of government, business, and civil
Read more →The evolving relationship between Kosovo and Serbia, facilitated by the European Union, is facing its sternest test since 2011 when barricades throughout north Kosovo reflected a situation threatening to spiral out of control. To supplement however this path towards sustainable peace, the EU must consider how it can better engage those constructive voices from civil
Read more →The Europe Policy Advisory Group (BiEPAG) has published a survey examining the attitudes of the Dutch population towards EU enlargement in the Western Balkans. It presents the perception of previous EU enlargement steps, and the general view of the EU, following the 2019 Dutch parliament veto on EU accession negotiations with Albania, which alongside the
Read more →Last week we shared with our partners and colleagues the wrap of the 2022 newsletter issue! Our 76th Newsletter is an image of challenges, achievements, and endeavors through 2022. Spoiler alert: it`s one with a happy ending! Read more here. Source: BCSDN
Read more →Convening key development co-operation stakeholders from all over the world, the 2022 Effective Development Co-operation Summit of the Global Partnership closed with an adoption of the Geneva Summit Declaration, aimed to anchor future decision-making around the four effectiveness principles and strengthen progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. The global Summit emphasized the need for effective
Read more →BCSDN has published their 5th episode of the Explaining Western Balkans Series. This episode`s interlocutor is Paul Taylor, Senior Fellow for Peace, Security and Defense in Friends of Europe who has recently authored the report “Seize the geopolitical moment: the Western Balkans and European security” examining what the EU and the Euro-Atlantic community need to
Read more →Aiming to ensure new space for social dialogue, Centre for Promotion of Civil Society (CPCD), BCSDN`s member from Bosnia and Herzegovina, designed and launched an agile civil society conference in BiH under the name Civilka. Addressing the pressing issues of civil society, in line with the four principles of the Global Partnership for Effective Development
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