News and updates from BCSDN and the region
In 2023, press freedom in Europe faced diverse threats, despite a decrease in journalist killings. Wars in Ukraine, and Karabakh, and conflicts like the Israel-Hamas confrontation had repercussions on media freedom. Russia used war as a pretext to tighten control of media, detain journalists, and engage in transnational repression. The Council of Europe (CoE) report
Read more →The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) launched its manifesto for the 2024 EU Elections, advocating for journalism as a public good, and calling for support for independent journalism through funding, regulation, and safety measures. Key points include investing in journalism, ensuring safety for journalists, and regulating Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly. The manifesto emphasizes the need
Read more →BCSDN welcomes the EU Parliament’s adoption of the Anti-SLAPP Directive, known as Daphne’s Law. The Directive sets a standard protecting media and public watchdogs from strategic lawsuits, requiring member states’ implementation by 2026. BCSDN has intensified its efforts to tackle this pressing issue due to the alarming prevalence of SLAPPs across the Western Balkans and
Read more →The Bosnian Parliament’s upper chamber unanimously passed the Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorist Activities. Prior to the vote and adoption at the House of Peoples, the House of Representatives adopted the legislation in December last year. This Law is one of the crucial conditions on the country’s path to
Read more →The SafeJournalists Network expresses concern over the Albanian Supreme Court’s decision on journalist Elton Qyno’s case, where his equipment was confiscated. Qyno challenged the seizure, arguing it violates journalistic source confidentiality. The action sets a worrisome precedent. While legal adherence is acknowledged, it should align with international principles safeguarding journalistic sources, crucial for democratic societies.
Read more →The Civic Space Report 2023 prepared by the European Civic Forum highlights the pressing challenges to democracy in the EU, and the need to safeguard democracy. With the impending Defence of Democracy package, the report emphasizes the need to address both external threats and internal challenges to strengthen democratic resilience. Examining the decline in trust
Read more →Environmental associations in the Federation of BiH have submitted a law to the parliamentary procedure aimed at protecting citizens, activists, and journalists from lawsuits intended to silence them. The proposed Law on Citizens’ Initiative and Protection of Citizens and Activists aims to create a legal framework safeguarding individuals involved in environmental activism. A press conference
Read more →The latest BCSDN Digest provides a concise overview of the complex interplay between Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) regulations and their impact on CSOs in the Western Balkans and Türkiye. Based on the BCSDN policy paper on AML/CFT Regulations and Implications on CSOs in the Western Balkans and Türkiye, the Digest
Read more →The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on Serbia, with 461 votes in favor and 52 against, calling for an investigation into the December elections. Expressing serious concern, the EP notes evidence of activities before and during the elections that may have influenced results, particularly in Belgrade. The resolution urges the European Commission to send
Read more →BiH associations and foundations are urged to sign the Civil Society Declaration pushing for the start of EU membership negotiations for the country. Amid uncertain EU conditions, CSOs call for authorities to fulfill requirements. The aim is to optimize the opportunity, prioritizing high-quality reforms for accelerated EU integration. Signatories can add their organizations by February
Read more →EPI’s quarterly brief on North Macedonia (October–December 2023) examines the country EU accession progress, focusing on democratic institutions, public administration reform, and Chapter 23 Judiciary and Fundamental Rights. It provides a concise overview of the period, outlining both positive strides and existing challenges. Notably, it emphasizes developments shaping country’s alignment with EU standards. A continuing
Read more →In an open letter, CSOs and universities voice concerns regarding the European Commission’s Defence of Democracy Package. The signatories highlight potential implications on democratic values. They are particularly concerned with the Proposal for a directive establishing harmonised requirements in the internal market on transparency of interest representation carried out on behalf of third countries. The
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