News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 2026 report confirms a continued global decline in political rights and civil liberties for the 20th consecutive year, with 54 countries deteriorating and only 35 improving, while just 21% of the world’s population lives in “Free” countries. The decline is driven by armed conflict, attacks on democratic institutions, and
Read more →From 3–6 March, BCSDN carried out its annual advocacy mission to Brussels at a pivotal moment for EU democracy initiatives and enlargement policy. As the EU moves to operationalize the Civil Society Strategy and the European Democracy Shield, while preparing the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034), BCSDN engaged with European Commission representatives, Members of the
Read more →CIVICUS has released its 2026 State of Civil Society Report, the 15th edition of its annual analysis examining global civil society trends in 2025 and early 2026. Drawing on the CIVICUS Lens initiative, the report is based on more than 250 interviews and articles covering around 100 countries and territories. It highlights growing challenges to
Read more →Seven new reports examine civic space developments in 2025 across Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland and Romania. Produced under the Monitoring Action for Civic Space (MACS) project, they apply a new civil society methodology to track both progress and decline in civic freedoms. The findings point to growing concerns, including restrictions on protest
Read more →A newly adopted European Parliament report on EU enlargement argues that the cost of non-enlargement would exceed that of accepting new members, warning that delays could create geopolitical grey zones vulnerable to foreign influence. Adopted with 385 votes in favour, the report frames enlargement as a strategic investment in EU security and stability, while reaffirming
Read more →Geopolitical tensions are reshaping EU enlargement in the Western Balkans, increasingly framing it as a strategic security instrument rather than a purely technical process. The war following the Russian invasion of Ukraine has accelerated debates inside the European Union about enlargement as part of broader European security planning. Experts argue that candidate countries in the
Read more →Europe’s media freedom landscape remained under pressure in 2025, with continued attacks, legal intimidation, and political interference affecting journalists and media organisations. The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) annual monitoring report, produced by the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, the European Federation of Journalists, and the International Press Institute, documents 1,481 press freedom
Read more →BCSDN will conduct a targeted advocacy visit to Brussels from 3–6 March to engage EU institutions at a pivotal moment for the Union’s emerging democracy and funding frameworks. As the EU develops the Civil Society Strategy, the European Democracy Shield, and the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), these initiatives will shape civic space and support
Read more →On 12 March, the European Economic and Social Committee’s Western Balkans Follow-up Committee will host a conference at Europe House Skopje, gathering organised civil society and social partners from North Macedonia, including BCSDN, together with EU representatives and national authorities to exchange views on key developments and priorities related to the country’s EU accession process.
Read more →At the General Affairs Council, EU Ministers marked the launch of the European Centre for Democratic Resilience, a flagship initiative of the European Democracy Shield aimed at strengthening the EU’s response to threats such as disinformation, foreign interference, and electoral manipulation. The Centre will act as a strategic hub, connecting existing expertise, tools, and networks
Read more →CASE Coalition has opened nominations for the European SLAPP Contest 2026, highlighting the most abusive lawsuits filed in 2025 to intimidate journalists, activists, and civil society actors. The call invites submissions of the most egregious cases that demonstrate legal harassment, disproportionate claims, or efforts to silence public scrutiny. Selected nominees will be publicly highlighted, with
Read more →The war in Ukraine has revived EU enlargement, putting Montenegro and Albania at the forefront as negotiations advance, supported by Hungary’s pro-enlargement EU presidency—though final decisions rest with member states. Montenegro is considered the leading candidate, having opened all negotiating chapters and closed many, with possible membership by 2028 if reforms continue. Albania has also
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