News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The selection of the next European Commissioner for Enlargement is critical amid ongoing European crises. The role requires a commitment to EU democratic values, strong support for enlargement, consensus-building skills, and stakeholder trust. Ursula von der Leyen has pledged to appoint a dedicated Commissioner for this portfolio in her next term, emphasizing that enlargement, particularly
Read more →The article reflects on the decline of EU foreign policy over the years, pointing out various key moments that contributed to its weakening. It suggests that EU foreign policy has struggled to maintain unity and effectiveness, particularly after events like the Eurozone crisis, Brexit, and conflicts on its borders. The EU’s failure to address energy
Read more →BCSDN member Civic Initiatives has released a report addressing Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) in Serbia and their effect on freedom of expression. SLAPPs are tactics employed by powerful entities like politicians and private companies to intimidate and silence critics through prolonged and costly legal battles. The report reviews Serbia’s legal framework, examines the
Read more →The 2024 Civil Society and Think Tank Forum, marking the Berlin Process’s 10th anniversary, will take place in Berlin from October 9-11. Organized by the Southeast Europe Association and the Aspen Institute Germany, the forum will gather over 115 organizations from the Western Balkans and the EU to discuss policy recommendations and shape the future
Read more →The 2024 KoneKtor – Philanthropy East Forum, formerly the Grantmakers East Forum, will take place in Prague from September 23-25. Titled “Dialogue, Democracy, and Diversity,” this year’s event, hosted by Porticus, aims to tackle pressing issues of polarization, fractured communities, and distrust. As democracy and civil society face ongoing threats, the forum will explore the
Read more →The geopolitical urgency to complete the EU enlargement is undeniable and will persist, presenting significant challenges and implications for both the EU and aspiring member states. As the EU enters a new legislative term, it must address these challenges by exploring necessary reforms and developing a realistic plan for expanding to 30+ members. This report
Read more →In response to recent events in Serbia, including the arrests and detentions of environmental activists and a coordinated campaign against CSOs by government representatives and allied media, Civic Initiatives has released a detailed analysis. This analysis explores the repressive mechanisms increasingly employed in Serbia and highlights how protests against lithium mining represent broader demands for
Read more →In an interview with Objavi.ba, BCSDN Head of Policy and Advocacy Anja Bosilkova-Antovska discussed the rising issue of SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation), as highlighted in BCSDN’s first regional research on the topic. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and North Macedonia rank among the top ten European countries for the frequency of SLAPP cases. Anja
Read more →BCSDN member Partners Albania for Change and Development has released a report addressing Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) in Albania. The report reveals how SLAPPs undermine democratic values by targeting activists, civil society, and the media. It provides a clear analysis of SLAPPs, including their definition, the current legal framework, and their effects on
Read more →BCSDN member from Türkiye, TUSEV, together with STGM explored the impact of Turkish tax regulations on NGOs, offering examples from various countries, and suggesting reforms for NGO financial sustainability. The reports on “Tax Regulations Concerning Associations and Foundations,” “Taxation of Economic Enterprises”, and “Public Benefit and Tax Exemption Statuses” reveal that tax advantages for CSOs
Read more →The article highlights the shifting dynamics in the European Union’s enlargement strategy, with a focus on the Western Balkans. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has revitalized the EU’s commitment to enlargement, demonstrating a strategic imperative to integrate Eastern Europe trio and Western Balkan countries. While Ukraine’s accession has been expedited, the Western Balkans continue to
Read more →The report provided by our member FDSC, offers insights into the current state of NGO sector in Romania, detailing its role in social development, employment, and volunteer involvement. It examines the sector’s dynamics, capacity for public good, and historical context, including its evolution from communist restrictions to its current challenges amid populist and illiberal trends.
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