What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

EU Civil Society Forum: Second Assessment of DG NEAR Guidelines for Supporting Civil Society in the Enlargement Region

On 11-13 June in Belgrade, EU TACSO 3 organized the EU Civil Society Forum for the Western Balkans and Türkiye. The event emphasized the need for clear mechanisms for civil society involvement in the Growth Plan, addressing challenges in the enabling environment, diversifying funding, fostering partnerships, and direct engagement with constituencies. BCSDN members’ representatives, including

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EnTrust Training Manual: Introduction to Civil Dialogue

This manual aims to foster a culture of civil dialogue among EU public officials by offering trainers exercises to raise awareness and implement principles of engagement and accessibility in EU policymaking. Referencing the Better Regulation Toolbox, particularly Chapter 7 on Stakeholder Consultation, the training operationalizes key concepts and reflects on civil society participation needs. It

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North Macedonia: Right-Wing Resurgence Could Obstruct Country’s Democracy

North Macedonia’s recent parliamentary and presidential elections ushered in a return of the right-wing VMRO-DPMNE party, signaling a potential shift away from EU integration efforts. VMRO-DPMNE, known for its nationalist stance and attacks on civil society during past governance, secured victories in the last elections. The party capitalized on public frustration over slow EU negotiations,

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IRI Poll: Western Balkans Support EU Membership Despite Doubts

A recent IRI poll reveals that while a majority in Western Balkan countries would vote for EU membership, significant portions doubt the EU’s sincerity in offering it. In North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, 68% would vote for EU accession, 79% in Montenegro, 89% in Kosovo, and 92% in Albania. Serbia stands out as more

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United Against SLAPPs: Strategies for Defending Freedom of Expression in the Western Balkans

On May 28-29, BCSDN organized the SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) Multistakeholder Workshop in Tirana, bringing together CSO representatives, activists, journalists, media workers, and legal experts from the Western Balkans and EU. The event focused on addressing SLAPP threats to freedom of expression and public participation, sharing personal experiences, and discussing regional research, legal

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BCSDN at EESC High-Level Civil Society Conference: Continuing the Success Story of EU Enlargement

The Western Balkans Civil Society High-Level Conference, held on 24 May in Ljubljana, brought together EESC members, Slovenian officials, and civil society representatives from the Western Balkans, including BCSDN representatives. The event facilitated exchanges on necessary reforms in the Western Balkans and the EU to uphold the enlargement policy as a key EU success. Discussions

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Call for Inputs – Stigmatizing Narratives and Implications on the Exercise of the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association (Deadline: 14 June)

The UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association is calling for inputs on stigmatizing narratives and their impact on these rights. This input will inform the thematic report to the UN General Assembly’s 79th session. The report aims to analyze the spread of negative narratives against civil society and

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SOLIDAR: 2024 EU Elections Manifesto and Six Proposals for a Just Transition

The 2024 EU Elections Manifesto outlines six progressive proposals aimed at facilitating a just transition towards a more equitable and sustainable future in Europe. It emphasizes the critical point at which Europe finds itself, advocating for transformative policies to address ongoing crises in climate, health, socio-economic inequality, and migration. Key proposals include prioritizing a socially

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The European Commission to Release Annual Rule of Law Reports

The European Commission is preparing rule of law reports for EU member and candidate countries, set to be published on 3 July, though this date may change. The reports will use the same methodology for both groups to provide a clear comparison. President Ursula von der Leyen announced this initiative to help candidate countries progress

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