What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

BCSDN Analysis of the EC Enlargement Package 2025: Civic Space as a Credibility Test

The BCSDN released its 16th annual analysis, “Civic Space as a Credibility Test,” for the 2025 EU Enlargement Package, assessing the environment for civil society in the Western Balkans and Türkiye (WBT). The report highlights a critical structural gap: governments can advance accession while simultaneously restricting civic space—which, along with media freedom and democratic institutions, remains the weakest area across

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CSOs Renew Call for Boycott of EP’s NGO Scrutiny Group

Over 30 CSOs, coordinated by Transparency International EU and joined by the European Civic Forum, have signed a joint letter urging pro-democracy MEPs to boycott the European Parliament’s newly created Scrutiny Working Group on NGOs (SWG). The CSOs warn that the SWG is the product of politically motivated attacks by the European People’s Party and far-right groups, designed to

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Albania’s Draft Lobbying Law Risks Silencing Civil Society

Albania’s draft law “On Lobbying” is viewed as a positive move toward enhancing transparency and integrity in public decision-making. However, experts warn that several provisions risk placing Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the same regulatory regime as commercial lobbyists. The main concern is the broad definition of lobbying, which could classify ordinary public-interest activities—like consultations,

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EU Proposes Mandatory Registers to Tackle Foreign Interference

The European Commission has proposed mandatory national transparency registers for lobbying on behalf of third countries, aiming to counter foreign interference across EU democracies. This draft legislation, part of the 2023 ‘Defence of Democracy’ package, would require all Member States to establish harmonised registers and empower authorities to investigate and impose sanctions for non-compliance. In

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Maladministration Ruled in EU Omnibus I Preparation

The European Ombudswoman has found that the European Commission committed maladministration in preparing the Omnibus I on sustainability and the 2024 CAP “simplification.” This decision validates long-standing concerns raised by civil society that the Commission bypassed crucial impact assessments, restricted public participation, and favored industry interests. The ruling marks a significant win for NGOs and

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BCSDN Welcomes the First-ever EU Strategy for Civil Society with Calls for Stronger Enlargement Focus

The Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN) has welcomed the EU’s first-ever Strategy for Civil Society, praising the inclusion of civil society input and recognition of enlargement countries as part of a shared civic space with EU Member States. The network called for stronger commitments to align the strategy’s goals with accession contexts. BCSDN highlighted

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EU Enlargement Policy 2025 – A Critical Moment for Civil Society and Democratic Fundamentals

The European Commission’s 2025 Enlargement Communication presents accession as increasingly attainable but shows that persistent weaknesses in the Rule of Law, democratic institutions, and fundamental rights continue to hinder progress. While some candidates have advanced in key reforms, the report highlights ongoing political polarization, weak oversight, and limited public consultation across much of the region.

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From Serbia to Brussels: BCSDN Highlights Advocacy Pathways for Civil Society at the Democracy & Rights Conference

At the 2025 Democracy & Rights Conference in Copenhagen, the Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN) led an interactive Skill and Capacity Lab titled “From Civic Space Struggles to EU Impact: Advocacy Pathways and Alliances for Civil Society in Europe.” The session, facilitated by Maja Stojanović of Civic Initiatives (Serbia) and Simona Mladenovska from BCSDN,

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EU Celebrates Investigative Journalism in the Western Balkans

Investigative journalism across the Western Balkans was recently recognised through awards in Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, celebrating impactful reporting on corruption and public-interest issues. In North Macedonia, 360 stepeni journalists won for uncovering abuses in national security. Albanian reporters from Amfora.al were awarded for exposing coastal development threats to cultural heritage. Montenegro’s top

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Proceedings: Regional Conference, “Resilient Voices: WB Civil Society in a Changing World”

The Proceedings from the Regional Civil Society Conference “Resilient Voices: Western Balkans Civil Society in a Changing World,” held in Tirana and organized by BCSDN and Partners Albania, confirm that over 150 CSOs, policymakers, and donors gathered to call for stronger protection and sustainable support for the sector. Participants warned that restrictive laws, “foreign-agent” initiatives,

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The European Economic and Social Committee Puts Civil Society at the Heart of EU Agenda

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has placed civil society at the center of its new work programme, “Civil Society at the heart of Europe.” The EESC President, Séamus Boland, announced a people-centered vision focusing on three pillars: A Union of opportunities, security, and resilience. The programme explicitly commits to protecting democracy and civic

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