News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The EU’s strategic agenda for 2024-2029 prioritizes further enlargement, a new emphasis compared to previous plans. Adopted by the European Council, the agenda introduces the concept of “gradual integration” for future EU members, aiming for reforms and progress in parallel. While experts welcome the focus on enlargement, some critics argue that the term “gradual integration”
Read more →The #ShiftThePower Global Summit in Bogotá highlighted the efforts of international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) to decolonize and shift power dynamics. The summit provided a platform for INGOs to reflect on their roles and challenges in transforming their practices. Discussions emphasized the need for INGOs to create spaces for feedback, engage in flexible funding, and strengthen
Read more →Western Balkan countries must submit their Reform Agendas to the European Commission by 24 August to access the new Reform and Growth Facility funds. Approved agendas will see the first funds released by the end of the year. The facility offers 2 billion EUR in grants and 4 billion EUR in loans from 2024-2027, allocated
Read more →Target group: Young people and youth-led organizations in EU partner countries, especially those from under-represented and socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Aim: To empower young people to contribute to sustainable development goals (SDGs) locally within their communities. Amount: Individual young people and informal groups from 500 up to 1,500 EUR – Registered youth organisations from 3,000 up
Read more →Target group: CSOs in the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia), particularly grassroots and youth organizations. Aim: Strengthening CSOs’ capacity to engage in anti-corruption efforts and policy advocacy, promoting transparency and good governance. Amount: 7 000 to 10 000 EUR per grant application Duration: N/A Deadline: 1 August Link
Read more →Target group: Individuals, media outlets, associations, CSOs, and content creators from the Western Balkans, especially underrepresented and marginalized groups, youth CSOs, women-led organizations, and niche media platforms. Aim: To support the validation and development of innovative media business ideas through financial grants, mentorship, and a structured acceleration program. Amount: N/A Duration: 5 months Deadline: 1
Read more →Target group: Local CSOs 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, 2024. Deadline: 3 August
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: Students in their final years of journalism or communication studies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and young journalists with up to three years of work experience Countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina Short Description: Mediacentar Sarajevo invites applications for a training program and paid journalism internship under the project “Political Literacy and Monitoring Harmful Narratives Affecting
Read more →Target group: Experienced leaders in civil society, aspiring youth activists Countries: Eastern Europe, South Caucasus, Central Asia Short Description: The Prague Civil Society Centre invites leaders and youth activists from Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia to apply for a fully-funded three-day gathering. This event focuses on sharing leadership development experiences, learning from
Read more →Target group: Migrant youth leaders Countries: Worldwide Short Description: The “Gender Justice Beyond Borders” International Youth Day Conference focuses on gender-responsiveness in the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration. It aims to discuss the latest trends in migration and gender politics with a special focus on labor, education, health, trafficking, and gender-based violence. The
Read more →Civic space in the Western Balkans is shrinking, with activists and journalists facing SLAPP suits, media restrictions, and public smear campaigns. We recognize SLAPPs as a crucial topic related to one of the key standards for ensuring an enabling environment for civil society in WBT – the legal guarantees and respect of the fundamental freedoms
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