News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The EU and Serbia have advanced a controversial lithium mining project with the signing of a memorandum in Belgrade. This agreement, supported by the multinational corporation Rio Tinto, aims to reduce Europe’s dependence on Chinese lithium for electric vehicle batteries. The deal reflects the EU’s strategy to secure critical raw materials and enhance Europe’s green
Read more →An article by “Slobodna Bosna,” shared by Self-Determination MPs, accuses Serbian President Vučić of influencing media in Kosovo, alleging control over Periskopi and a multi-million transaction with Nacionale to criticize Albin Kurti’s government. The Kosovo Journalists’ Association has repeatedly appealed to Prime Minister Albin Kurti and his ruling Self-Determination Movement to stop “unacceptable campaigns” aimed
Read more →Romanian media argue that recent legal reforms fall short of protecting journalists from SLAPPs intended to stifle free speech. Attila Biro, editor of Context.ro, an investigative news outlet, is facing a 3.4 million EUR lawsuit from businessman Jurgen Faff. The lawsuit claims that Context’s articles about a stalled golf course project in southern Transylvania damaged
Read more →The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) consortium expresses deep alarm over Kosovo’s new media law, passed by the Parliament this month, which poses significant threats to media freedom and independence. This law grants the government greater control over media regulation through the Independent Media Commission (IMC). Concerns include increased political influence on the IMC, mandatory
Read more →Accountable Now’s recent bulletin highlights key insights from the Dynamic Accountability Dialogue on feminist youth-led research. Despite progress in women’s rights, achieving gender equality remains distant, with only 0.2% of global aid addressing violence against women. Young feminists are driving transformative change through innovative solutions and participatory research. The dialogue emphasized the need for organizations
Read more →The OECD Toolkit for implementing the DAC Recommendation on Enabling Civil Society in Development and Humanitarian Assistance provides guidance for fostering fair partnerships between aid providers and local CSOs. It focuses on correcting power imbalances, boosting the effectiveness of aid, and encouraging local leadership through participatory methods. The toolkit advocates for involving local CSOs in
Read more →The GivingTuesday Data Commons’ 2023 Lookback Report, its fourth annual global giving trends analysis, continues to explore generosity through quantitative and qualitative methods. Building on previous reports, this year’s findings highlight a robust giving ecosystem despite concerns about polarization and declining donor participation. The report reveals that people are still eager to give across ideological
Read more →The social dialogue entitled “Philanthropy as Giving for the Common Good – Improving the Incentive Framework” was organized with a focus on boosting charitable donations and reviving the Philanthropy Council established in 2018. Key proposals included creating a compensation fund for VAT refunds on donations and enhancing crowdfunding regulations. Catalyst’s suggestions were several improvements to
Read more →Target group: Local CSOs/ associations/ NGOs in specified municipalities of Bosnia and Herzegovina Aim: To improve the effectiveness of local CSOs in engaging local processes, strengthen partnerships with the local community, and increase citizen involvement in local governance. Amount: Up to 2,600 USD per project Duration: Projects must be completed by 15 November Deadline: 3
Read more →Target group: CSOs in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia Aim: Support cybersecurity capacity-building efforts Amount: 20 000 – 30 000 EUR Duration: 12 months Deadline: 9 August Link to more information (EGA)
Read more →Target group: Local communities (MZ) and CSOs from the territories of local communities (involved in the PREPS) in Prokuplje Aim: Strengthen resilience to natural disasters and improve preparedness strategies Amount: Up to 3 000 EUR Duration: N/A Deadline: 20 August Link to more information (RC Gradjanske)
Read more →Target group: Employees of public media services in the Western Balkans Aim: To support mobility for enhancing quality journalism in the region Amount: Up to 5 000 EUR Duration: Varies depending on the mobility project Deadline: 30 August Link to more information (Mreza Mira)
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