What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

CfP: Civica Mobilitas: Call for Civic Engagement Grants (Deadline: 12 April)

Target group: CSOs registered in accordance with the Law on Associations and Foundations ; Other non-governmental, non-profit, civic associations registered in accordance with the Law on Scientific Research. Aim: Strengthen the civil society sector in North Macedonia, boost civic engagement, and foster collaboration with authorities. The outcomes sought include an expanded civic space, transparent governance,

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CfP: EU CERV Grants (Deadline: 24 April)

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

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CfA: Regional School for Political Development (Deadline: 18 February)

Target group: Young leaders from Croatia, North Macedonia, and Serbia Countries: Croatia, North Macedonia, and Serbia Short Description: The program supports youth in shaping public policy, focusing on the Green Agenda. Thirty selected participants, aged 18-30, will gain knowledge, skills, and a network to advocate for green policies. The school emphasizes diversity and aims to

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CfA: Training Course on Project Management for International Youth Organisations (Deadline: 20 February)

Target group: Volunteer or paid project officers, project managers, or similar roles in international youth organizations or networks with Council of Europe grants or intending to apply in the future. Countries: Country signatory of the European Cultural Convention Short Description: The course aims to enhance project management skills for individuals working in international youth organizations.

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CfA: Second PINA Young Journalists Programme (Deadline: 25 February)

Target group: Young journalists Countries: North Macedonia Short Description: PINA Youth Journalists Programme seeks young journalists interested in media and journalism, focusing on good governance. Supported by the National Endowment for Democracy, the program offers informal education, mentoring, and paid practical work, emphasizing high ethical standards. Duration: N/A Link to more information (PINA)

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CfP: Western Balkans Fellowship Programme at the Austrian Parliament (Deadline: 29 February)

Target group: Civil servants working in the administrations of the National Parliaments in the WB6 Countries: WB6 Short Description: To contribute to EU integration-driven reforms in the Western Balkans Parliament’s administrations. The program seeks to achieve this by building the capacities of individuals working as agents of change in the public sector. These align with

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CfA: Regional Youth Partnerships Network Members (Deadline: 29 February)

Target group: Young professionals (ages 19-32) Countries: BiH, Kosovo, and Serbia. Short Description: The program aims to develop the next generation of leaders through activities like network meetings, collaborative projects, research initiatives, and conferences. It fosters connections among individuals working in politics, media, arts, academia, entrepreneurship, and sports. Duration: 15 months Link to more information

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CfA: Training Programme for Young Civil Servants of the Western Balkans (Deadline: 1 March)

Target group: Young civil servants from the WB6, specifically those representing ministries involved in foreign and EU affairs or regional cooperation. Countries: Western Balkans Short Description: The program aims to enhance participants’ knowledge of EU affairs, focusing on the enlargement process, soft skills, and negotiation techniques. The program features interactive lectures, workshops, a simulation game,

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CASE Coalition European SLAPP Contest 2024 (Deadline: 8 February)

Wealthy and powerful individuals, particularly politicians and businesspeople, employ various tactics to threaten and sue public watchdogs exposing crime and corruption. Despite facing mental and financial challenges, journalists, activists, and academics persevere to safeguard democracy. The lack of consequences for SLAPP litigants, who often make baseless accusations, fosters a culture of impunity. The CASE coalition

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EU Elections Manifesto for Better Civic Space and Civil Dialogues

Civil Society for EU Manifesto calls on future EU leaders to recognize, support, and fully engage with civil society, emphasizing its pivotal role in promoting rights, amplifying underrepresented voices, and aiding governments in addressing people’s needs. Ahead of the 2024 EU elections, the campaign urges endorsement of a manifesto for improved civic space and civil

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European Civic Forum Analysis on the Defence of Democracy Package

The European Commission’s proposed directive, part of the Defence of Democracy package, aims to establish common transparency standards for interest representation activities conducted on behalf of third countries within the internal market. The directive seeks to address concerns about “covert foreign interference” but faces criticism by CSOs. The European Civic Forum argue that the directive

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