News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Thirty European civil society networks, including BCSDN, have urged the Council of the European Union to strengthen, not reduce EU investment in democracy by increasing the AgoraEU budget and safeguarding funding for the CERV+ programme in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The joint letter warns that proposed budget cuts come as CSOs across Europe
Read more →The Annual Western Balkans Perception Surveys 2026, conducted under the WeBalkans project, show that public support for the European Union remains strong across the Western Balkans, with Serbia standing out as the only country where support for EU membership does not exceed 60%. Albania records the most positive perception of the EU (82%), followed by
Read more →24 CSOs in Albania, including BCSDN member Partners Albania, have issued a joint public statement following the 2 July protests in Tirana, expressing concern over allegations of disproportionate use of force, ill-treatment of detained protesters, obstacles to effective access to legal counsel and independent medical examinations, and the risk of losing key evidence. The organisations
Read more →The European Parliament has adopted a Resolution on Serbia, reaffirming that the country’s progress towards EU membership depends on genuine democratic reforms and their effective implementation. The Resolution calls for tangible progress in the rule of law, judicial independence, free and fair elections, media freedom, the fight against corruption and organised crime, and stronger engagement
Read more →In an opinion article, former Montenegrin Deputy Prime Minister Jovana Marović argues that Montenegro’s accession process is becoming a testing ground for the European Union’s future enlargement policy. It explores how the EU is seeking to reconcile the geopolitical imperative of enlargement with growing concerns over democratic backsliding after accession. A stronger role for EU
Read more →Representatives of banks, the National Bank, the Financial Intelligence Office and CSOs met in Skopje to discuss the implementation of the revised Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendation 8, which calls for a risk-based and proportionate approach to preventing the misuse of non-profit organizations for terrorist financing without restricting their legitimate work. Discussions focused on
Read more →More than 100 CSOs have addressed an open letter to the European Commission, expressing concern that proposed changes to the Better Regulation framework risk weakening evidence-based policymaking, transparency and democratic participation. The signatories argue that the reforms would disproportionately prioritize business interests by expanding urgency procedures, narrowing impact assessments, increasing reliance on targeted consultations and
Read more →During her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, reaffirmed that the country’s stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity are of strategic importance to the European Union. Meeting with members of the Presidency and political leaders, she stressed that sustained reforms remain the fastest path towards
Read more →More than 80 women from 12 local organizations gathered in Struga for the eighth annual Women’s Circles networking meeting, organized by Akcija Zdruzenska with the support of the Delegation of the European Union to North Macedonia, the Embassy of Sweden in Skopje, The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation and filia.die frauenstiftung. The event provided a safe
Read more →As CSOs face shrinking aid, growing funding inequalities and increasing pressure on civic space, stronger partnerships are needed to build resilience. Developed by the Global Solutions Lab as part of the Local Leadership Labs initiative, The Dialogue is a practical resource that helps funders and CSOs engage in open, trust-based conversations that challenge traditional power
Read more →The European Commission is expected to reallocate funding under the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans to countries demonstrating stronger reform performance. According to EU officials, Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia are set to benefit from the redistribution after making the most progress in implementing agreed reform agendas. In contrast, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Read more →Target Group: Individual investigative journalists or teams (up to three members) from the Western Balkans with proven investigative experience and a confirmed media outlet committed to publishing the story. Aim: To support in-depth, cross-border investigative journalism on issues of regional significance, focusing on environment, public space, civic rights and activists, decent work, and media. The
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