News and updates from BCSDN and the region
EU organizations have expressed their support, and concerns for the European Commission’s decision to conduct an impact assessment of the Democracy package. This decision comes after a written request from 230 CSOs. The organizations appreciate that the Commission recognizes the importance of considering the fundamental rights implications of the proposed package. They trust that the
Read more →The article analyzes the recent protests in Serbia in response to violence and citizens’ demands. Despite only two of the nine demands being met, the minister of education has resigned, and the National Assembly held a session on mass shootings and security. However, the concessions made by the non-ruling party minister did not incur significant
Read more →On 6 June 2023, Philea and Civil Society Europe held a webinar discussing the impact of EU AML/CFT policy on civil society, featuring high-level policymakers and sector representatives. The timely discussion occurred amidst ongoing negotiations on the new EU AML/CFT Package, which is expected to be adopted soon and enforced in 2027.The conversation explored unintended
Read more →The European Parliament plenary voted in favor of strong fundamental rights protections in their official position on the Artificial Intelligence Act, including maintaining positive steps on fundamental rights impact assessments and transparency requirements. While EU wants to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure better conditions for the development and use of this innovative technology, in
Read more →EC presented its recommendations to Member States to ease barriers to cross-border philanthropy and to work towards a more enabling environment for civil society and the wider social economy. This is a result of the long-awaited European Commission proposal for a Council Recommendation on developing the social economy framework conditions and the guidance for Member
Read more →EU has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to combat violence against women by adopting a decision on its accession to the Istanbul Convention. By joining the Istanbul Convention, the EU affirms its commitment to preventing violence, protecting victims, and prosecuting perpetrators. The decision underscores the EU’s recognition of violence against women as
Read more →The recently concluded 2023 UN Financing for Development Forum shed light on the crucial role of CSOs in the development and implementation of Infrastructure Financing Frameworks (INFFs). It highlighted that CSOs bring valuable expertise, diverse perspectives, and on-the-ground knowledge that can enhance the effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of infrastructure financing. The article stresses the importance
Read more →Efforts to strengthen ethics and transparency within the EU have gained momentum, as highlighted in recent publications. The focus is on addressing ethical challenges and enhancing accountability mechanisms across EU institutions. Proposed reforms aim to set clear ethical standards, improve conflict of interest rules, and expand financial disclosures to promote transparency. The objective is to
Read more →The European Commission has announced the postponement of the proposed law targeting foreign interference in the European Union (EU). The article “NoEUfara: Commission Postpones Foreign Interference Law” by ECNL, sheds light on this decision and its potential implications. The postponement is a response to concerns raised by CSOs and other stakeholders regarding the potential impact
Read more →EU TACSO 3 published the first assessment against the revised DG NEAR Guidelines for EU Support to Civil Society in the Enlargement Region, 2021-2027. The guidelines highlight the results for EU assistance to civil society in the enlargement region over the next seven years. It provides evidence for the situation against the Guidelines’ indicators for
Read more →Two massive protests were held in Belgrade in the last two weeks, railing against the Serbian government officials, after the fierce events and massive murders, and the promotion of violence in the media. Recognized as the largest since the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) came to power one decade ago, the protests called for resignation of
Read more →Safe Journalists Network in Albania, along with the Center Science and Innovation for Development (SCiDEV), published the Report Indicators on the Level of Media Freedom and Journalists’ Safety in Albania 2022, reflecting on the media freedom and safety of journalists in the country. The annual report provides an in-depth analysis of the prevailing challenges, current
Read more →