News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on Serbia, with 461 votes in favor and 52 against, calling for an investigation into the December elections. Expressing serious concern, the EP notes evidence of activities before and during the elections that may have influenced results, particularly in Belgrade. The resolution urges the European Commission to send
Read more →BiH associations and foundations are urged to sign the Civil Society Declaration pushing for the start of EU membership negotiations for the country. Amid uncertain EU conditions, CSOs call for authorities to fulfill requirements. The aim is to optimize the opportunity, prioritizing high-quality reforms for accelerated EU integration. Signatories can add their organizations by February
Read more →EPI’s quarterly brief on North Macedonia (October–December 2023) examines the country EU accession progress, focusing on democratic institutions, public administration reform, and Chapter 23 Judiciary and Fundamental Rights. It provides a concise overview of the period, outlining both positive strides and existing challenges. Notably, it emphasizes developments shaping country’s alignment with EU standards. A continuing
Read more →In an open letter, CSOs and universities voice concerns regarding the European Commission’s Defence of Democracy Package. The signatories highlight potential implications on democratic values. They are particularly concerned with the Proposal for a directive establishing harmonised requirements in the internal market on transparency of interest representation carried out on behalf of third countries. The
Read more →The manual designed to guide journalists and activists in Bosnia and Herzegovina amid recent legislation changes recriminalizing defamation and revealing personal details. It covers legal aspects and consequences, offering instructions for prevention, rights protection, and actions during investigations. The document focuses on two main segments: prevention and handling in case of investigation. Concrete guidance is
Read more →CSOs in North Macedonia persist facing challenges of assessing their organizational capacities and areas of improvement. To enhance competence, efficiency, and accountability, the Civil Society Resource Center has developed a self-assessment tool for CSOs. The tool covers ten categories, including strategic management, project work, governance, human resources, organizational values, administration, media, cooperation, advocacy, and service
Read more →Climate Collective and World Bank’s Global Partnership for Social Accountability are partnering on the Green Accountability Technology Accelerator. With the goal to mobilize 4 trillion USD annually until 2030 for a green transition, only 1.2 trillion USD was allocated in 2023. The initiative aims to use innovative green technology to improve transparency and accountability in
Read more →The paper examines three decades of Official Development Assistance (ODA) in the Western Balkans, focusing on levels, sources, and goals. The study encompasses six Western Balkan countries and analyzes ODA in Croatia and Turkey for comparison. It aims to offer insights into ODA trends, sources, and priorities in the region. The Western Balkans play a
Read more →Western Balkan leaders gathered in Skopje for the “The Growth Plan: Western Balkans Meets EU” conference, reaffirming their commitment to the EU Growth Plan and the Common Regional Market based on EU standards. The EU had adopted a 6 billion EUR Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans for 2024-2027. The leaders emphasized the
Read more →Target group: CSOs in WB6 operating in the fields of media, freedom of expression, digital technologies, education, human rights, or gender equality. Aim: Strengthening capacities of CSOs to promote media activism and counter disinformation and polarisation in the Western Balkans. Amount: In each country, the budget available for grants totals 46.500 EUR (except for Kosovo,
Read more →Target group: All registered CSOs and networks of CSOs, as well as informal networks Aim: To enhance citizen involvement, civil society collaboration, and media and private sector engagement in combating corruption in North Macedonia. The goal is to improve the responsiveness of state institutions and effectiveness in addressing corruption at national and local levels. Amount:
Read more →Target group: CSOs, educational institutions and independent media organizations that are based and legally registered in BiH. Aim: To support NGOs, educational institutions, and media organizations. It focuses on promoting women’s equal participation in economic, civic, and political life, encouraging projects addressing themes like economic advancement, political engagement, and gender-based violence prevention. Amount: 1,000 –50,000
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