News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights’s (FRA) annual civic space consultation, covering the year 2023, has been recently launched. The survey is open to all CSOs working in an EU Member State and in Serbia, Albania, and North Macedonia (which are Observer members to the FRA), or at the EU level. Even CSOs who are
Read more →On behalf of the European Commission, and DG NEAR, the EU TACSO 3 project invites CSOs from Western Balkans and Türkiye to take part in the second assessment against the DG NEAR Guidelines for EU Support to Civil Society in the Western Balkans and Türkiye 2021-2027. This assessment aims to assess the situation against the
Read more →The 34th annual Human Rights Watch World Report for 2023 highlights a global decline in human rights, citing governments engaging in selective violent actions and transactional diplomacy. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, challenges include discriminatory electoral systems, restrictions on the LGBTQ+ community, inadequate protection for victims of gender-based violence, slow progress on war crime accountability, and
Read more →Over the past few years, the relationship between the Government of Serbia and CSOs had deteriorated due to increased harassment and attacks on CSOs. The European Center for Not for Profit Law (ECNL) supported the establishment of the Council for Cooperation and Civil Society Development in the country, a key body for restarting dialogue between
Read more →The document discusses changes to Recommendation 8 and the best Practices Paper of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) during 2023. It emphasizes that countries should periodically identify organizations within the non-profit sector involved in the functional definition of FATF and assess the terrorism financing risks present in the sector. Countries are advised to implement
Read more →The Croatian Journalists’ Association (HND) has urged parliamentarians to reject a proposed law criminalizing the “Unauthorised disclosure of the contents of an investigative or evidentiary act,” expressing concerns about its impact on journalism and the public interest. The HND argues that even with a provision exempting journalists if they obtain prohibited information, the law could
Read more →Civil Society Europe (CSE), representing EU-level CSOs, expresses deep concern about the European Parliament’s own-initiative report on the transparency and accountability of NGOs funded from the EU budget. CSE rejects the report, arguing it lacks evidence and relies on assumptions. They emphasize that NGOs are subject to the same EU financial rules and reporting obligations
Read more →CSOs in North Macedonia continually face the challenge 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
Read more →To achieve a more equitable future, while addressing the inequities exposed by Covid crisis, conflict, and climate change, there is a call for a stronger aid ecosystem based on principles like solidarity, humility, self-determination, and equality. The key shift involves building genuine partnerships with local and national organizations and governments, empowering communities affected by crisis
Read more →The CIVICUS 12-month Donor Transformation Challenge guides leaders to dismantle oppressive practices, fostering trust and collaboration. It encourages small, consistent changes and community engagement for a more supportive ecosystem, aiming for improved partnerships and responsiveness to changemakers’ needs. The Challenge covers one topic per month that CIVICUS identified as key to advancing this transformation. It
Read more →A global gathering in Bogota, Colombia, brought together 120 narrative practitioners and funders focused on strengthening the narrative power of global justice movements. The Confluence event, hosted by IRIS, Puentes, and the Global Narrative Hive, prioritized discussions on philanthropy’s role in narrative change. Key takeaways included the need for increased resources, supportive practices, and a
Read more →Target group: Independent media organizations in Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia, and Romania. Aim: To support and empower independent media organizations in Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia, and Romania, as well as the civic sector in Central Europe. The overarching goal is to safeguard democratic institutions and strengthen networks of active citizens defending democratic values. Amount: 25-
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