News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The CASE Coalition has classified a lawsuit initiated by Hrvatske šume d.o.o. (Croatian Forests Ltd, CFL) against an environmental activist as a SLAPP. CFL, a state-owned company managing Croatia’s forests, has filed three private prosecutions for criminal defamation against Vesna Grgić, an environmental activist and leader of the Green Squad. The organization, part of the
Read more →The 2024 report on global freedom of expression reveals a concerning trend: over half of the world’s population lives in countries facing expression crises. India’s shift into this category drove the increase. While some countries saw positive shifts, such as Brazil and Fiji, others regressed, like Burkina Faso and Ethiopia. Despite individual changes, the overall
Read more →Following the temporary interruption of the RTV Federation of BiH programs on May 8, the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners condemned the political management causing the crisis and violating citizens’ right to freedom of information. The dispute between BHRT and FTV led to a media blackout ordered by the BHRT management board, resolved a
Read more →A group of CSOs has written a letter urging the World Bank Group (WBG) to reinstate a civic engagement (CE) indicator in its Corporate Scorecard. The recently released Corporate Scorecard no longer includes this indicator, raising concerns about the WBG’s commitment to civic engagement. The CSOs propose adding a “Quality of Citizen Engagement and Social
Read more →There is a need for unrestricted funding for charitable organizations to enhance their strategic planning, financial stability, and operational efficiency. Drawing from research and experiences at the Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR), it urges funders to trust organizations’ expertise and grant them greater control over spending. By shifting away from restrictive funding models, funders
Read more →Target group: CSOs registered and operating in Türkiye. Aim: To support women’s access to justice, increase legal awareness, empower women to claim their rights, and provide legal remedies and services, particularly for vulnerable groups of women. Amount: 15 000 EUR max Duration: 1 year (1 July 2024 – 1 July 2025) Deadline: 3 June Link
Read more →Target group: Organizations involved in the 150 projects approved during the first and second calls of the Interreg Europe programme. Aim: To extend project partnerships to eligible organizations from EU candidate countries (Albania, BiH, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia) and facilitate collaboration and funding opportunities, subject to availability of IPA funding and approval by the European Commission.
Read more →Target group: Local CSOs registered in Gostivar, Tetovo, Debar, Kichevo, Kumanovo, Ohrid, Struga, and Shuto Orizari. Aim: To support local CSOs in strengthening the capacities and promoting professional standards of local media journalists. The grants will focus on protecting journalists’ rights, improving media ethics, and enhancing access to information and media literacy. Amount: A maximum of
Read more →Target group: CSOs, business associations, media associations, educational and cultural associations, and sport associations in the Western Balkans. Aim: To strengthen regional partnerships, enhance CSO involvement, and promote democracy and active citizenship in the Western Balkans. Amount: 30 000 EUR per project (overall indicative amount of 360 000 EUR) Duration: 3 – 7 months Deadline:
Read more →Target group: Applicants interested in participating in the Cross-Border Programme North Macedonia – Republic of Albania under the Instrument of Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III) Allocations for 2022. Aim: To facilitate cross-border cooperation between North Macedonia and Albania, promoting good neighborly relations, fostering EU integration, and supporting socio-economic development through joint initiatives. Amount: The overall indicative
Read more →Target group: Digital rights advocates, pro bono lawyers, litigators in Europe Aim: Support strategic litigation for digital rights advancement in Europe Amount: The average litigation track support grant is around 50 000 EUR, while pre-litigation research support is around 30 000 EUR Duration: Depending on case complexities Deadline: Eligibility check request – 15 July; full
Read more →Target group: Young individuals aged 16 to 22 from the Western Balkans Countries: Western Balkans (North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo*, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia). Short Description: The Regional Summer Camp aims to bring together young people from the Western Balkans to meet, learn, and create a safe space for new ideas and initiatives. This year,
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