What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

Monitoring Matrix Regional Report 2020: Narrowing the Civic Space or Stronger Government- CSO Cooperation During a Pandemic in the Western Balkans?

BCSDN gladly presents the Monitoring Matrix Regional Report for Civil Society Development in the Western Balkans for 2020. The report analyzes several key aspects impacting civil society in the region amid Covid-19, such as: How has the state of emergency affected basic freedoms?; Was the remarkable role CSOs played in mitigating the adverse effects of

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CPDE: The Long Road to Development – VNR Study 2021

The global civil society platform CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE), in time for the 2021 UN High-Level Political Forum, delivered the Voluntary National Review (VNR) Study 2021. The analysis shows the perceptions of a large number of CSOs from different countries and territories on implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Voluntary National Reviews in

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BiEPAG Policy Brief on Completing the EU Unification Process

In its latest policy brief, BiEPAG analyzes the current progress of the Western Balkans’ accession into the European Union. The brief implies that the lack of tangible and recognized progress affected political elites and the public. It suggests that the EU needs a clear path for the WB6 to join the Union, especially when global

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Regional Event on CSO Accountability: “Reflections on Civil Society Self-Regulation by Sharing Regional and Global Experiences” (TODAY, 1 July 2021, 14h CET)

BCSDN is pleased to invite you to the regional workshop on CSO Accountability: “Reflections on the Self-Regulation of Civil Society by Sharing Regional and Global Experiences” that will take place online, TODAY, 1 July 2021, at 14h CET. The workshop aims to raise awareness among CSOs in the Balkans about the key principles, opportunities, and

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CPDE to Launch Study on Voluntary National Reviews 2021

On 6 July 2021, CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE) will hold an online event to launch a study on the Voluntary National Reviews for 2021. Produced in time for the United Nations High-Level Political Forum, the document presents CSOs’ reflections and recommendations on implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the national level, based

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Think for Europe Network PAR Monitor 2019/2020

The EU-funded Western Balkans Enabling Project for Civil Society Monitoring of Public Administration Reform (WeBER) delivered its PAR Monitor report 2019/2020. The publication results from Think for Europe Network members monitoring during 2020. It is a comparative collection of key findings from the WB in the six areas of PAR set by the Principles of

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European Parliament and Council Agreement on the New Budget for IPA III

The European Parliament and the Council agreed on the 14 billion EUR budget for the new Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III) for the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework period. According to the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET), the upgraded pre-accession instrument strengthens conditionality regarding democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, envisaging the

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2020 EU Annual Report On Human Rights and Democracy in The World

The report provides a general overview of human rights and democracy. It marks the first phase of implementing the new EU Action Plan, presenting insight into EU action in 2020. It further monitors the implementation of the new EU Action Plan by presenting the progress achieved. The report focuses on how the COVID-19 pandemic has

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Extended Session on BCSDN Council Meeting: Insights on Members’ Work and Civil Society Situation in the Balkans

On 10 June 2021, BCSDN held the extended session of the 15th Annual Council Meeting. Representatives of BCSDN members joined together virtually to discuss the civil society situation in their countries, the COVID-19 impact, challenges, and practices for civil society, and the current issues in their organizations. The event contributed to learning from each other

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Regional Event on Strengthening the Rule of Law in the Western Balkans

On 14 June 2021, BCSDN Executive Director Ms. Biljana Spasovska participated in the “Strengthening the Rule of Law in the Western Balkans: Old tools for new rules?” event organized by the Institute for Democracy “Societas Civilis” (IDSCS), the Politikon Network and the Center for Contemporary Politics. The conference reflected the ongoing rule of law reform

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EESC Plenary Debate on the Charter of Fundamental Rights & EU Democracy: Civil Society To Have an Active Role in the Defence of EU Values

On 10 June 2021, during the Plenary Debate on the Charter of Fundamental Rights & EU Democracy with European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) asked for CSOs and citizens to be more actively involved in standing up for democracy and the rule of law in the EU. The debate aimed to extend

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