News and updates from BCSDN and the region
At the General Affairs Council, EU Ministers marked the launch of the European Centre for Democratic Resilience, a flagship initiative of the European Democracy Shield aimed at strengthening the EU’s response to threats such as disinformation, foreign interference, and electoral manipulation. The Centre will act as a strategic hub, connecting existing expertise, tools, and networks
Read more →CASE Coalition has opened nominations for the European SLAPP Contest 2026, highlighting the most abusive lawsuits filed in 2025 to intimidate journalists, activists, and civil society actors. The call invites submissions of the most egregious cases that demonstrate legal harassment, disproportionate claims, or efforts to silence public scrutiny. Selected nominees will be publicly highlighted, with
Read more →The war in Ukraine has revived EU enlargement, putting Montenegro and Albania at the forefront as negotiations advance, supported by Hungary’s pro-enlargement EU presidency—though final decisions rest with member states. Montenegro is considered the leading candidate, having opened all negotiating chapters and closed many, with possible membership by 2028 if reforms continue. Albania has also
Read more →Digital spaces are increasingly becoming a pressure point for civic voices in Southeast Europe, where environmental activists, independent media, and anti-corruption groups face growing risks from online harassment, surveillance concerns, disinformation, and legal intimidation. Monitoring by BIRN shows that attacks are often targeted at actors challenging entrenched political or economic interests. Environmental defenders have been
Read more →The European Union is reviewing its financial commitments to Serbia following the adoption of controversial judicial reforms, warning that these measures are “eroding trust.” EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos confirmed that the Commission is reconsidering a 1.6 billion EUR allocation of loans and grants under the EU Growth Plan, citing strict rule-of-law preconditions. The new
Read more →The Constitutional Court of Republika Srpska has confirmed the unconstitutionality of the Law on the Special Registry and Publicity of Non-Profit Organisations, known as the “foreign agents” law, months after the Constitutional Court of BiH struck it down. The law, adopted in 2025, had been widely criticised as a repressive measure targeting civil society, journalists,
Read more →Serbia’s Ombudsman has proposed amendments to the Public Order and Peace Law that would extend its jurisdiction to social media, sparking intense backlash from civil society and legal experts. While framed as a move to regulate digital conduct, critics warn the draft uses vague language that could criminalize political criticism, satire, and irony, potentially leading
Read more →European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said future EU accession treaties should include stronger safeguards that would “bite hard” if new members backslide on rule of law commitments, with Montenegro likely to be the first tested under such rules. Speaking at an enlargement conference in Tallinn, Kos stressed there can be no shortcuts on reforms,
Read more →The 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) signals a worrying global stagnation in the fight against corruption, with the world average at 42 and more than two-thirds of countries scoring below 50. The results point to persistent weaknesses in governance, accountability, and the effectiveness of oversight institutions, alongside growing pressure on those working to expose wrongdoing.
Read more →According to Freedom House’s Freedom on the Net 2025 report, global internet freedom has declined for the 15th consecutive year, with conditions worsening in 28 of the 72 countries assessed. The findings point to a troubling global trend marked by more arrests for online expression, expanded digital surveillance, and growing use of information manipulation by
Read more →At a BCSDN online roundtable on the new EU democracy instruments: EU Civil Society Strategy, the European Democracy Shield, and the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework and WBT civic space, experts highlighted opportunities for engagement, protection, and support for CSOs, but warned of risks from security-driven approaches that could restrict civic space. While the EU Civil
Read more →BCSDN members MCIC and CPCD are conducting surveys to monitor the enabling environment for CSOs in North Macedonia and BiH in 2025. The surveys are part of BCSDN members annual research cycle and the broader regional study on the enabling civil society environment, BCSDN flagship product, based on Monitoring Matrix methodology. The research aims to
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