News and updates from BCSDN and the region
On 19-20 October 2023, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) organized the 9th Western Balkans Civil Society Forum in Thessaloniki. Discussing the impact of geopolitical shifts on the WB and the EU’s enlargement policy, obstacles faced by the region in their accession path, the role of civil society, and ways to monitor civil society
Read more →European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights FRA’s ‘Civic Space Update 2023 highlights civil society challenges. Examples include strategic lawsuits (SLAPPs) and actions against those involved in migrant search and rescue at sea or against those representing vulnerable groups. It also addresses civil society financing. It also examines recent changes to the challenges holding back civil
Read more →For the last three decades, the climate COPs have represented a milestone in the global climate agenda, and with the effects of climate change becoming more and more visible, international, and cross-sectoral collaboration on climate is increasingly critical. Still, for many philanthropy practitioners, the COPs feel opaque, and their significance for their own work is
Read more →In an interview with Aida Daguda and Dajana Cvjetkovic from the BCSDN member CPCD, CIVICUS highlights the concerning deterioration of civic space in BiH. Expressing their concern about the rapid deterioration of civic space in BiH and the introduction of two new pieces of legislation in Republika Srpska. The first bill reintroduced criminal defamation into
Read more →The analysis prepared by MCIC provides a brief overview of the origins of the idea to create the Council, the formation of the Council, and its functioning until the end of 2022. Particular focus and detail are given to its functioning in 2022 and the implementation of the Council’s Work Program for 2022. Despite the
Read more →The National Convention on the European Union condemns the malicious and organized tabloid campaign to which the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (BCSP), Igor Bandović and Bojan Elek, director and deputy director of this organization, are exposed. The systematic misuse of tabloids and other media to ruin the reputation of civil society organizations has become
Read more →Slapp lawsuits against public participation, as coined by University of Denver professors George Pring and Penelope Canan, translate d.o.o. are strategic lawsuits against public participation, essentially lawsuits by the most powerful and rich with the aim of silencing public interest issues. The first to be attacked by these lawsuits are journalists who, according to the
Read more →According to PACE’s Culture Committee, there is an urgent need for all Council of Europe member states to act together against SLAPPs – frivolous, vexatious, or malicious legal proceedings that aim to intimidate, harass, or silence their targets, thus threatening the public. European governments should enact powers to dismiss manifestly unfounded or abusive litigation, require
Read more →The newly released Civil Society State of the Union Report offers valuable insights and recommendations on meaningful actions. The report urges the EUI and member states to adopt a strategy that recognizes CSOs as allies in designing and implementing people-centered and human rights-based policies that foster inclusive public participation. To establish ethical frameworks that allow
Read more →Global Perspectives lies in a commitment to fostering innovative sector conversations and pushing the boundaries of dialogue. At this year’s conference, Global Perspectives embarks on a series of sessions addressing the challenges and opportunities in the international civil society sector. Discussions will delve into questions such as how sincerely committed the sector is to transform,
Read more →AidWatch reports provide recommendations for policymakers managing development challenges. They evaluate European ODA’s quantity and quality, advocating for its support to the most marginalized, and pressuring policymakers to uphold commitments for partners’ development goals. OECD data shows that EU Member States reported EUR 84 billion in ODA in 2022, a 19% real increase from 2021.
Read more →Target group: CSOs, activists, and informal groups interested in learning and sharing knowledge on accountability. Countries: Balkans Short description: BCSDN invites CSOs, networks, and activists across the Balkans, to join the Regional Accountability Community of Practice (RACoP) and support our Pledge for joint action and discussions in a safe space where we can commit to strengthening the
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