News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The EU’s Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations has successfully concluded screening meetings with Albania and North Macedonia. Spanning over a year with 167 sessions and over 3000 experts involved, the meetings mark a crucial step in the accession process. The screening process involved an in-depth analysis of alignment with EU rules and policies, with
Read more →In 2021, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) initiated a project to address the limitations and adverse effects of the flawed implementation of its standards, particularly Recommendation 8. The 2023 amendments to Recommendation 8 aim to rectify the misapplication and misunderstanding of R8, which had led to excessive and restrictive measures on civil society. The
Read more →The European Commission has adopted a recommendation to member states to promote the engagement and effective participation of citizens and CSOs in public policy-making processes. It addresses key factors to ensure meaningful participation. The package emphasizes inclusiveness and integrity by utilizing best practices in democratic lotteries. Emphasis on training and information sessions is included for
Read more →Target group: CSOs in the Western Balkans and Turkey Countries: WBT Short description: First survey to find out more about what civil society and other colleagues think of the EU TACSO 3 project and what has been its impact. Link to more information (EU TACSO 3)
Read more →The 2023 State of Civil Society Report from CIVICUS, the global civil society alliance explores trends in civil society action across various domains, including democracy, inclusion, climate justice, and global governance reform in 2022. Drawing from the ongoing analysis initiative CIVICUS LENS, launched in January 2022, the report incorporates the voices of civil society directly
Read more →BCSDN has released its 14th analysis of the European Commission’s annual reports assessing civil society development in the Western Balkans and Türkiye. The largest ever Enlargement Package seems to show reinvigorated energy and greater prospects for accession than in the last decade, in spite of growing challenges such as political polarization and shrinking space for
Read more →BCSDN joined over 80 CSOs and 180 individuals worldwide to endorse a statement urging the United Nations to appoint a Special Rapporteur on Democracy. The joint appeal, ahead of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, emphasizes the interdependence of democracy and human rights. It specifies that the proposed Rapporteur, created by
Read more →The European Commission has introduced a new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, aimed at extending EU membership benefits to the EU accession countries. The plan would enable the region to step up reforms and investments to accelerate the speed of the enlargement process and the growth of countries’ economies. It includes a proposed 6
Read more →The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to address the challenges obstructing the achievement of UN SDGs and calls for a long-term EU political commitment beyond 2030. To accelerate progress, EESC advocates transitioning from a siloed to a holistic approach, involving various societal sectors and establishing a
Read more →In the face of challenges such as regulatory proliferation and threats to civil society space, Philea has actively advocated for the interests of foundations, striking a balance between security and capital flow. Progress has been made in recognizing the vital role of foundations and non-profit organizations, particularly in navigating OECD Common Reporting Standards. The European
Read more →The CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE) and the Reality of Aid published the Private Sector Watch: Global Synthesis Report 2023. The report compiles national and subnational case studies from CPDE members worldwide. It examines the impact of Private Sector Engagement (PSE) on diverse sectors, including women, youth, workers, farmers, fisherfolk, and Indigenous Peoples. The
Read more →BCSDN expresses concern over recent events jeopardizing freedom of expression and association in North Macedonia. In the most recent attack, a defamation lawsuit targeted the Investigative Reporting Lab (IRL), exemplifying a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) aiming to silence critical voices. The judge’s disconcerting statement, questioning IRL’s media status and limiting journalistic activities, sets
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