What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

U.S. Foreign Aid Suspension: A Threat to Civic Space and a Call for Philanthropic Support from Civil Society

Following the abrupt suspension of U.S. foreign assistance, including the USAID funding, hundreds of projects now face uncertainty worldwide and in the Western Balkans. The three-month halt under President Trump’s Executive Order has stalled work by CSOs, independent media, and human rights initiatives, forcing many organizations to reduce staff or suspend activities. Programs supporting judicial

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Western Balkans Civil Society Networks to Organize Brussels Event: EU Enlargement & Defending Rule of Law in the Region

Western Balkans civil society networks, along with BCSDN are organizing an advocacy event in Brussels on February 25, bringing together civil society and think tank networks from the Western Balkans alongside EU stakeholders to discuss the future of EU enlargement. The event will focus on preserving the integrity of the enlargement process, maintaining the EU’s

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EESC Civil Society Days 2025: Strengthening Cohesion and Participation in Polarised Societies (17-20 March)

On 17-20, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is organizing Civil Society Week, bringing together civil society stakeholders across Europe to address polarisation and strengthen democratic engagement. As overlapping crises—from economic downturns to climate change and widening disparities—deepen societal divisions, the urgency to foster cohesion and participation has never been greater. The outcomes of

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OECD Working Paper: Towards Meaningful Civil Society Participation at the International Level

The OECD Working Paper examines the importance of structured, inclusive, and effective civil society participation in international decision-making. As global challenges become more complex, international organizations increasingly recognize the need to incorporate diverse perspectives to enhance legitimacy, foster trust, and improve policymaking. However, participation remains inconsistent, requiring strong legal frameworks, transparent engagement strategies, and a

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Civic Initiatives Publishes 2023 Report on the Civil Society Environment in Serbia

Together with our member, Civic Initiatives, we present the 2023 Report on the Civil Society Environment in Serbia. As per report’s findings, fundamental freedoms of association, assembly and expression, continue to be violated, particularly during the pre- and post-election period. CSOs face targeted campaigns, intimidation and SLAPP lawsuits. Legal frameworks are insufficient to support volunteering,

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Opinion: What 2025 Holds for EU and Balkans?

In 2025, the EU has a unique opportunity to push forward Balkan integration. The removal of land borders between Bulgaria, Romania, and the Schengen area marks a significant step towards full integration, with economic benefits for businesses and citizens. Additionally, Bulgaria’s long-awaited entry into the eurozone is set for 2026, offering economic stability and growth.

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Targeted Stakeholder Consultation for 2025 EC Rule of Law Report (Deadline: 24 January)

The European Commission has launched a targeted stakeholder consultation for the Rule of Law report, running until 24 January, with an additional consultation on the single market dimension. The consultation invites contributions from organizations addressing justice systems, corruption, media pluralism, and checks and balances, including European networks, NGOs, national associations (e.g., judges’ and journalists’ groups),

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Call to Civil Society in BiH to Participate in Consultations on Proposed Actions of the Multi-Country IPA Program 2025-2027 (Deadline: 27 January)

The Directorate for European Integration/Office of the National IPA Coordinator (DIPAK) in Bosnia and Herzegovina invites civil society, along with the academic community, experts, and social partners, to participate in consultations on the draft proposals for actions under the Multi-Country IPA Program 2025-2027. The Commission has provided nine draft proposals across four thematic areas: Window

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EFCSN Criticizes Meta’s Decision to End Fact-Checking Program and Condemns Censorship Claims

The European Fact-Checking Standards Network (EFCSN) expressed disappointment over Meta’s decision to end its Third-Party Fact-Checking Program in the U.S., condemning CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s claims linking fact-checking to censorship. EFCSN argues that fact-checking adds valuable context to public discourse and counters misinformation, emphasizing that it is not censorship. The network criticizes Zuckerberg’s statement about political

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Thank You for Being Part of Our 2024 Journey – Happy Holidays!

BCSDN wishes you a successful and inspiring start to 2025! As we reflect on 2024, we celebrate key achievements that strengthened our mission to protect civic space and empower civil society. These include the updated Monitoring Matrix Tool-Kit 2.0, the 2023 Regional Report on Civil Society Environment, which shed light on challenges such as rising

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BCSDN at the Third Session of the Council for Coordination and Monitoring of the Open Government Partnership Process 2024-2026 in North Macedonia

BCSDN’s Head of Policy and Advocacy, Anja Bosilkova-Antovska, participated in the third session of the Council for Coordination and Monitoring of the Open Government Partnership Process 2024-2026 in North Macedonia on December 23, discussing updates and challenges in implementing the National Action Plan for Open Government 2024-2026. Insights from the Open Government Partnership Western Balkans

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