News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Liberties published a new handbook, “Relying on the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights for Human Rights Litigation” to support human rights defenders in their efforts to protect freedoms by providing practical advice on using the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and EU law in litigation. The handbook complements Liberties Charter litigation training program, part of
Read more →In the face of nationalistic tendencies that threaten civic space in Serbia, Sofija Todorovic from Youth Initiative for Human Rights in an op-ed, underscores the importance of truth, peace, anti-fascism, solidarity, and democracy as fundamental steps to a future free from conflicts and wars. Through YIHR’s proactive response, these challenges are being addressed head-on, fostering
Read more →OECD released the “Governance at a Glance Report 2023” which highlights the impact of recent crises on global economic resilience. Despite governments’ prompt response to challenges, efforts to reinforce trust and democratic resilience must be intensified due to environmental, demographic, fiscal, and technological obstacles. Key report’s findings include the undermining of trust in public institutions,
Read more →The Launch Event for the 2023 Tirana Civil Society Forum acknowledged the vital role of CSOs in bringing the region closer to the EU. The Forum is being held as part of the Annual Summit of the Berlin Process, hosted by the Government of Albania, the current holder of the Berlin Process Presidency. Seven working
Read more →The PAR Monitor report for North Macedonia 2021/2022 has been published by the European Policy Institute (EPI). The report is a compilation of findings from the Western Balkans in the six areas of PAR, which were defined by the Principles of Public Administration, known as SIGMA Principles. The PAR Monitor offers a comprehensive package of
Read more →The analysis explores the best practices from parliaments in the areas of transparency, integrity, accountability and anti-corruption, and reflects how these approaches are applicable for the European Parliament (EP). Findings confirm the need for the establishment of an independent EU ethics body, granted investigative and enforcement powers with full transparency of enquiries, decisions and/or proposals
Read more →One year after the closing event of the Conference on the Future of Europe, there was little follow-up on citizens’ recommendations. While EPC recognizes the European Commission’s new generation’ of EU Citizens’ Panels, uncertainty remains how these deliberative exercises can connect citizens to the wider EU policymaking. Despite being a novel step in upholding the
Read more →The Global Gender Gap Index presents the 17th edition of the annual benchmarking of the current state and evolution of gender parity across four key dimensions (Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment). The analysis yields key findings on the index results in 2023, trend analysis towards parity, and contextual
Read more →In response to growing concerns about foreign interference in the EU elections, the EU is ramping up its efforts to safeguard the integrity and democratic processes of its member states. Vera Jourova, the Vice President of the European Commission emphasizes the importance of protecting the electoral processes from external interference, through disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks.
Read more →EU has introduced a digital strategy to promoting innovation and facilitating the digital transformation across the Union. The strategy highlights the importance of digital technologies in driving economic growth and ensuring Europe’s competitiveness on the global stage. The Commission’s approach focuses on three key pillars: enhancing the digital infrastructure, fostering digital skills and inclusivity, and
Read more →The Fundamental Rights Report 2023 by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) sheds light on crucial human rights concerns within the EU in 2022. The report’s focus section addresses the implications of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for support and solidarity from governments, local authorities, and society. It emphasizes the necessity
Read more →In a captivating podcast, BCSDN delves into the complex landscape of foreign agent registration laws in the Western Balkans. The podcast unravels the intricacies of these acts and sheds light on their implications for regional dynamics. By exploring the historical context, motivations, and enforcement mechanisms of the laws, the podcast provides a deeper understanding of
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