News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The 2023 State of Civil Society Report from CIVICUS, the global civil society alliance explores trends in civil society action across various domains, including democracy, inclusion, climate justice, and global governance reform in 2022. Drawing from the ongoing analysis initiative CIVICUS LENS, launched in January 2022, the report incorporates the voices of civil society directly
Read more →BCSDN has released its 14th analysis of the European Commission’s annual reports assessing civil society development in the Western Balkans and Türkiye. The largest ever Enlargement Package seems to show reinvigorated energy and greater prospects for accession than in the last decade, in spite of growing challenges such as political polarization and shrinking space for
Read more →BCSDN joined over 80 CSOs and 180 individuals worldwide to endorse a statement urging the United Nations to appoint a Special Rapporteur on Democracy. The joint appeal, ahead of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, emphasizes the interdependence of democracy and human rights. It specifies that the proposed Rapporteur, created by
Read more →The European Commission has introduced a new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, aimed at extending EU membership benefits to the EU accession countries. The plan would enable the region to step up reforms and investments to accelerate the speed of the enlargement process and the growth of countries’ economies. It includes a proposed 6
Read more →The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to address the challenges obstructing the achievement of UN SDGs and calls for a long-term EU political commitment beyond 2030. To accelerate progress, EESC advocates transitioning from a siloed to a holistic approach, involving various societal sectors and establishing a
Read more →In the face of challenges such as regulatory proliferation and threats to civil society space, Philea has actively advocated for the interests of foundations, striking a balance between security and capital flow. Progress has been made in recognizing the vital role of foundations and non-profit organizations, particularly in navigating OECD Common Reporting Standards. The European
Read more →The CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE) and the Reality of Aid published the Private Sector Watch: Global Synthesis Report 2023. The report compiles national and subnational case studies from CPDE members worldwide. It examines the impact of Private Sector Engagement (PSE) on diverse sectors, including women, youth, workers, farmers, fisherfolk, and Indigenous Peoples. The
Read more →BCSDN expresses deep concerns about the shrinking civic space in Bosnia and Herzegovina, urging authorities to reverse harmful policies against civic actors. The ongoing political crisis has heightened pressures on civil society, resulting in laws that jeopardize democracy, fundamental rights, and civic operations. Recent changes, like amendments to the Republika Srpska Criminal Code that re-criminalize
Read more →From October 30th to November 1st, BCSDN members’ representatives gathered for a productive workshop in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, addressing crucial developments in the civil society enabling environment in Western Balkans and Turkey. The workshop focused on revising the BCSDN Monitoring Matrix Toolkit, with discussions spanning key areas, standards, and indicators. The sessions explored critical
Read more →Civil Society Europe has filed a complaint against the European Commission for refusing public access to a study commissioned on the Defence of democracy package. The complaint, received by the European Ombudsman, outlines the EC denial of access to the study and related documents, citing the ongoing nature of the study. The complainant, a civil
Read more →Globally, governments are increasingly limiting civil society and suppressing dissent. A prevalent strategy employed by them involves introducing laws specifically aimed at CSOs receiving international funding. This brief outlines instances where the U.S. Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA) has been cited to support such legislation. Although FARA has historically been narrowly applied within the United
Read more →The ongoing political crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina has led to increased pressures on civil society and media in the country, materializing in controversial laws and regulations that have the potential to undermine the foundations of democracy, erode fundamental rights, and severely limit the operations of civic actors. We invite you to join us for
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