News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The BiH Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Elmedin Konaković faces criticism for misusing his political power, where during a press conference in Sarajevo on 25 April unjustly targeted journalists and media outlets, labeling them as part of a criminal network without evidence. This unwarranted attack reflects a concerning trend of the minister targeting journalists critical
Read more →International media freedom and human rights organizations condemn Türkiye’s arrest of nine Kurdish journalists from the Mezopotamya Agency in recent raids across Istanbul, Ankara, and Şanlıurfa. Three journalists were accused of “membership in a terrorist organization” and arrested without evidence. This ongoing harassment of Kurdish journalists is alarming, with similar incidents occurring before national elections
Read more →In the Western Balkans, media often serves political interests instead of truth, jeopardizing democracy and perpetuating disinformation. #CheckitFirst, launched by ARTICLE19, addresses this challenge by advocating for ethical journalism in BiH, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Serbia. By collaborating with journalists and media professionals, the campaign aims to enhance the accuracy of news reporting and promote media
Read more →Reporters Without Borders reports declining press freedom in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Serbia. Factors contributing to this regression include political pressure, direct attacks on journalists, and restrictions on media outlets. Kosovo and BiH experienced significant drops, with concerns over political influence on public broadcasters and harassment of journalists. Albania faced challenges such as
Read more →In the world of development aid, less than 10% of funds directly reach CSOs in the Global South, with the majority being retained in donor countries. This indirect funding often imposes strict procurement rules, hindering effective utilization by CSOs. Known as “Tied Aid,” this practice limits the autonomy of Southern CSOs and perpetuates power imbalances.
Read more →There is a need for trust and vulnerability in the relationship between funders and social movements. Power dynamics shape the allocation of financial resources and emphasizes the importance of open communication. Drawing from experiences in philanthropy, particularly from the ‘What Moves Movements’ inquiry commissioned by the Lankelly Chase Foundation, the article it highlights challenges and
Read more →Target group: CSOs in the area of Gradiška focusing on youth initiatives. Aim: To strengthen partnerships between CSOs and the City of Gradiška, promoting youth participation in decision-making and improving the position of young people in the community. Amount: 10 000 – 20 000 KM (approximately 5 100 and 10 200 EUR) Duration: 3-5 months
Read more →Target group: Non-profit legal entities from EU Member States and associated countries (Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Kosovo, and Ukraine), with transnational projects, meeting specified grant criteria. Aim: To combat gender-based violence and violence against children, addressing societal challenges rooted in gender inequality. It seeks proposals for projects that prevent violence, protect victims, and make integrated child
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: A maximum of 15 000 EUR Duration: 1 year (1 July 2024 – 1 July 2025) Deadline: 3
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, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia) and facilitate collaboration and funding opportunities, subject to availability of IPA funding and approval by the
Read more →Target group: CSOs, business associations, media associations, educational and cultural associations, and sport associations in the Western Balkans region. 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
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 Union integration, and supporting socio-economic development through joint initiatives. Amount: The overall indicative
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