What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

Serbia: Koalicija prEUgovor Demanding Urgent Reaction by Authorities to Latest Attacks on Civil Society

The Serbian CSO Coalition prEUgovor demands an urgent response from the authorities due to the latest attacks on independent journalists, representatives of civil society, foreign countries and opposition parties, made by pro-government media. The reaction refers to a broadcast of a video with dangerous and false accusations that these individuals were involved in alleged preparations

Read more →

Bulgaria Probes Wave of Threats to Journalists, Activists, Politicians

The Prosecution in Sofia has confirmed it is investigating a range of cases of threats and intimidation targeting journalists, activists and politicians – and undermining media freedom. They concern journalist Atanas Tchobanov, activist and Sofia City Councillor Boris Bonev, the “We Continue the Change” MP Hristo Petrov, as well as new Interior Minister Boyko Rashkov.

Read more →

Eastern European Countries Adopting Authoritarian Measures in Face of Covid

A recent article published by the Guardian referring to an analysis that reveals widespread violations of international democratic freedoms in response to the pandemic, states five of 18 eastern European countries have registered major violations of international democratic freedoms since March 2020. The research conducted by the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Institute, notes the worst

Read more →

Survey: North Macedonia Still Committed to EU Integration

Skopje-based think-tank Eurothink has publicly promoted the findings of their annual EuroMeter Survey. EuroMeter is a survey that for many years examines the opinion of citizens on issues related to European integration and citizens’ trust in state institutions. This year’s findings show a 2 percent increase in citizens who believe the EU membership is a

Read more →

BCSDN: Celebrating 20 Years of Regional Cooperation!

Regional cooperation has been the cornerstone of our work, the reason for our existence – and this year, we are celebrating 20 years of eventful and successful collaboration! In the past two decades, as the landscape in which CSOs are acting has changed significantly, many obstacles have been overcome through joint actions and mutual support

Read more →

BCSDN Research Partners Workshop in Belgrade

BCSDN has successfully conducted a two-day research partners workshop in Belgrade, on 13-14 December. During the first day, our member representatives were exploring the topic of development effectiveness and building their capacities for strengthening and promoting cooperation for effective development. The regional training on effective development cooperation is part of the activities under BCSDN’s three-year

Read more →

CIVICUS Global Data Report – People Power Under Attack 2021

CIVICUS Monitor has launched the latest Global Data Report – People Power Under Attack. This annual report takes a closer look at trends and top violations to the civil rights in each of the 197 countries and territories monitored. Out of 54 countries monitored within Europe and Central Asia, civic space is rated as open

Read more →

BCSDN at the EU-Western Balkans Summit

The 2021 EU-Western Balkans Summit organized by Friends of Europe took place on the 7 December. The Summit aimed to engage with themes such as sustainable recovery, trade and investment, youth issues, and the role of civil society to foster pathways to regional cooperation, resilience, and inclusion. BCSDN’s Executive Director took part in the session

Read more →