News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The Executive Board of the Conference on the Future of Europe declined the European Parliament’s proposal, a representative of the Civil Society Convention on the Future of Europe, to be included as an observer in the process. The adoption of the Civil Society Convention proposal is a positive political message to citizens in Europe and
Read more →The report presents the views of ICSOs of the pandemic’s influence and their ability to operate effectively, helping the INGO constituency group, and the CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE) in the context of the development effectiveness agenda during the pandemic. It outlines the main impacts identified by study participants, including the challenges generated by
Read more →On the International Day for Multilateralism on 24 April, a group of 100 CSOs, led by CIVICUS, Democracy International, and Democracy Without Borders, in a joint statement under the name “We the Peoples,” requests on the UN to implement three reforms, so that the people, elected representatives, and civil society will have a stronger voice and
Read more →Organic Agriculture Association of Albania, whose mission is to contribute to sustainable rural development in the country, has launched a viral video to provoke civic engagement and urge the government to take necessary measures to protect Vjosa River. They request the river to be declared a national park and prevent a hydropower plant’s construction. Considering
Read more →Ahead of IPA III financial framework (2021-2027) being finalized, and in the light of the IPA country programming taking place, BCSDN has published an updated Opinion on how the EU can more effectively support civil society to promote the civic space and contribute to a more resilient civil society in the Western Balkans. During rising
Read more →After a long pause, the Conference on the Future of Europe will be finally launched on 9 May 2021 by the European Parliament, Council, and Commission. Some of the major developments, such as the increase in turnout in the 2019 European elections, the adoption of the EU 7-year budget, including a recovery plan through joint
Read more →CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE) delivered its latest report as a part of the platform’s engagement to effective development cooperation and SDGs’ fulfillment. Through case studies delivered by individual countries, the publication analyzes the Effective Development Cooperation principles in COVID-19 response worldwide, outlining the government’s anti-COVID-19 measures and implications on CSOs’ work, CSO strategies,
Read more →As part of the multi-country action component of the Sida-funded Regional Civil Society Development Hub, BCSDN proudly presents the 10 successful regional grantees, whose projects and knowledge shared will contribute towards the Hub’s mission to strengthening regional cooperation and protecting the civic space in the Western Balkans. Through their work and engagement, the networks will
Read more →The latest Amnesty International Report: “The State of the World’s Human Rights” presents the CEE and SEE governments used the pandemic to tighten controls over justice systems, curtail freedoms, and further discriminate the marginalized communities, increase state control over the judiciary and media, etc. While in some countries, the governments failed to implement adequate measures
Read more →As the new IPA III financial framework (2021-2027) is being finalized, BCSDN has published its latest Opinion, discussing how the EU can more effectively support civil society. In the new IPA III, civil society remains a thematic priority for intervention and is for the first time a cross-cutting theme in all five windows. Amid growing
Read more →BCSDN gladly announces the revised version of the Call for Proposals for Ad-Hoc Grants under the Sida-funded Regional Civil Society Development Hub. To support CSO efforts and regional cooperation in promoting the civic space in the WB region, we have broadened the Call’s scope and extended the funding opportunities to informal organizations as well. The
Read more →In its latest Opinion adopted on 24 March 2021, the EESC has noted the importance of civil society to have a greater role in the entire enlargement process and be better recognized in the new accession methodology, stressing also that building the national capacity of CSOs and facilitating regional cooperation and exchange should be among
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