What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

BCSDN’s Monitoring Matrix at Point 12: Advancing Democracy, Media Integrity, and Technology Innovation in Suppressing Attacks

On 24-25 June, the Point 12 Conference in Sarajevo brought together global activists, journalists, academics, and civil society leaders. Organized by CA “Why not” with ACTION SEE and SEE Check networks, the event focused on democracy threats worldwide, media integrity, fact-checking, and new technologies to surpass attacks. BCSDN Executive Director Ms. Biljana Spasovska presented the

Read more →

BCSDN at the International Conference on Freedom of Assembly in Istanbul

On 11-12 June, the International Conference on Freedom of Association took place in Istanbul, organized by BCSDN member TÜSEV and STGM. Experts from Turkey, Europe, the Balkans, and the USA discussed global laws affecting civic space and civil society’s responses to evolving challenges. During the session “Global Civil Society Agenda and the Role of International

Read more →

EU Civil Society Forum: Second Assessment of DG NEAR Guidelines for Supporting Civil Society in the Enlargement Region

On 11-13 June in Belgrade, EU TACSO 3 organized the EU Civil Society Forum for the Western Balkans and Türkiye. The event emphasized the need for clear mechanisms for civil society involvement in the Growth Plan, addressing challenges in the enabling environment, diversifying funding, fostering partnerships, and direct engagement with constituencies. BCSDN members’ representatives, including

Read more →

EnTrust Training Manual: Introduction to Civil Dialogue

This manual aims to foster a culture of civil dialogue among EU public officials by offering trainers exercises to raise awareness and implement principles of engagement and accessibility in EU policymaking. Referencing the Better Regulation Toolbox, particularly Chapter 7 on Stakeholder Consultation, the training operationalizes key concepts and reflects on civil society participation needs. It

Read more →

Arts and Cultures Festival Aimed to Foster Reconciliation Banned by Serbian Authorities

Mirdita – Dobar dan, an annual festival promoting reconciliation between Serbian and Kosovar youth through art, culture, advocacy, and debate, was banned by Serbian authorities. Scheduled to open on June 27 at Dorćol Platz in Belgrade, the festival faced opposition from ultranationalist and hooligan groups, who blocked access, intimidated attendees, and vandalized the venue. Despite

Read more →

New Law in FBiH Strengthens Citizens and Activist Rights

On 26 June 2024, the House of Representatives of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted the Draft Law on Citizens’ Initiative and Protection of Citizens and Activists. This law provides protection against legal actions intended to suppress public engagement. Under the law, citizens and activists cannot be held accountable or subjected to physical or

Read more →

Serbia: SLAPPs Against KRIK as a Striking Attempt to Silence Media

The CASE Coalition has identified two lawsuits by Judge Dusanka Djordjevic against Serbian media outlet KRIK as SLAPPs, aiming to silence independent journalism. Judge Djordjevic and her husband, lawyer Aleksandar Djordjevic, filed both criminal and civil suits against KRIK, its editor-in-chief Stevan Dojcinovic, and journalist Bojana Pavlovic. They claim KRIK’s “Judge Who Judges” database, which

Read more →

Partners Albania Report on Legal and Regulatory Landscape on Philanthropy in Albania

The report “Legal and Regulatory Landscape on Philanthropy in Albania – A Roadmap for Safeguarding NPOs’ Fundraising Activities from Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing” , delivered by BCSDN member Partners Albania, analyzes the legal and institutional framework governing fundraising methods for philanthropic activities in Albania, crucial for the operations and sustainability of NPOs. Through detailed

Read more →

Croatia: A Call to Repeal Croatia’s Criminal Penalty for Non-Public Information Disclosure

ARTICLE 19 critiques Croatia’s recent amendments to the Criminal Code, which introduces criminal penalties for disclosing ‘non-public’ information related to criminal cases. They advocate for the repeal of these amendments, citing concerns that they violate international standards on freedom of expression. The new provisions restrict journalists and others from accessing and disseminating information crucial to

Read more →

EU Civil Society Call to Defend Democracy

A European Leaders’ Call to Defend Democracy urged the EU to prioritize democracy support in its upcoming institutional term following the European Parliament elections. This call emphasizes the importance of democratic values and proposes several policy commitments. In response, Brussels-based democracy organizations, including EED, EPD, ENOP, and International IDEA, have launched a policy brief detailing

Read more →

Accountable Now Dynamic Accountability Guidebook

Accountable Now delivers a Guidebook focusing on dynamic accountability for organizations, regardless of their starting point. The Guidebook outlines the concept of dynamic accountability, emphasizing a people-powered approach that prioritizes continuous dialogue and mutual, horizontal relationships with stakeholders. It provides practical actions for embedding dynamic accountability in all phases of an organization’s work, from planning

Read more →