News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The Council of the European Union has approved a Growth Plan for the Western Balkans (2024-2027), offering up to 2 billion EUR in grants and 4 billion EUR in loans. Beneficiaries must meet preconditions like democratic governance, free media, rule of law, and alignment with EU foreign policy, including measures against Russia. They must submit
Read more →The European Commission has moved ahead with the “Directive on Transparency of Interest Representation on Behalf of Third Countries” despite fierce opposition from European civil society since its unveiling in 2023. Despite claims that it aims to increase transparency, critics argue it resembles foreign agent laws seen elsewhere, posing a threat to civil society and the media
Read more →On 11-12 June, in Istanbul, Turkey, TUSEV and STGM, with EU support, will organize the International Conference on Freedom of Association “Strong Civil Society”. Convening CSOs from Türkiye and abroad, the Conference aims to address challenges to civic space and strengthen NGOs as pillars of democracy. Discussions will highlight innovative strategies to safeguard human rights
Read more →The European Parliament finalized a legislation as they strive to secure final votes on several laws ahead of recess and the June EP elections. This includes the AI Act, the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), the anti-SLAPP Directive, as well as the contentious Corporate Sustainable Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). While most texts reached an agreement
Read more →The Civil Society Europe “Introduction to Civil Dialogue” manual addresses the lack of a legal framework for implementing the EU’s commitment to open dialogue with civil society, outlined in Article 11 of the Treaty on the European Union. Developed within the ‘EnTrust’ project, the manual aims to cultivate a culture of civil dialogue among EU
Read more →The ALL DIGITAL Weeks 2024 campaign, running from May 13-31, emphasizes digital skills for inclusion and employment across Europe. Organized by the ALL DIGITAL Network since 2010, it has aided 1.5 million individuals in gaining or improving digital skills. Supported by the European Commission, this year’s edition urges European citizens to enhance their digital proficiency,
Read more →One of the entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska is moving ahead with its controversial “foreign agents” law despite domestic and international pressure and CSOs’ concerns. These worrisome developments, following examples of narrowing civic space in the country, reflect a broader pattern of suppressing dissent. We reassert our concerns about the implications of the law – jeopardizing civil
Read more →The European Parliament approved the legislative resolution for the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans, known as the Growth Plan allocating 6 billion EUR for 2024-2027. Beneficiaries must meet conditions including democratic mechanisms, media freedom, rule of law, and alignment with the EU’s foreign policy. Each must submit a Reform Agenda, reflecting assessments
Read more →The briefing paper prepared by the informal coalition of EU CSOs on the Defence of democracy Package coordinated by Civil Society Europe outlines concerns regarding the European Commission’s proposal for a directive on transparency of interest representation on behalf of third countries as part of the Defence of Democracy package. The proposal is criticized by
Read more →The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) congratulates BiH and its citizens for the decision of the European Council to open accession talks with the country. 110 local CSOs, including BCSDN member Center for Civil Society Promotion (CPCD), believe this is pivotal moment for the country’s political, economic, and social progress. Emphasizing EU accession as
Read more →The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has recommended Kosovo for membership, subject to fulfilling a comprehensive set of commitments and obligations upon accession. The Assembly’s opinion, passed by a majority vote, highlights the potential benefits of membership, such as strengthening human rights standards and ensuring access to the European Court of Human
Read more →Curious about recent concerns over manipulated elections in Serbia? Wondering how citizens are mobilizing amidst these irregularities? How do government responses impact civic engagement, and what successful advocacy strategies have emerged amid challenges? BCSDN and Civic Initiatives are organizing an online discussion, scheduled for April 17th at 11 am CET via Zoom, to address these
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