What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

Emphasizing the Role of Civil Society: Key Takeaways from the 2023 UN Financing for Development Forum

The recently concluded 2023 UN Financing for Development Forum shed light on the crucial role of CSOs in the development and implementation of Infrastructure Financing Frameworks (INFFs). It highlighted that CSOs bring valuable expertise, diverse perspectives, and on-the-ground knowledge that can enhance the effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of infrastructure financing. The article stresses the importance

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Advancing Ethics Reform and Transparency in the European Union

Efforts to strengthen ethics and transparency within the EU have gained momentum, as highlighted in recent publications. The focus is on addressing ethical challenges and enhancing accountability mechanisms across EU institutions. Proposed reforms aim to set clear ethical standards, improve conflict of interest rules, and expand financial disclosures to promote transparency. The objective is to

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Postponement of Foreign Interference Law: EU Commission’s Decision and Implications

The European Commission has announced the postponement of the proposed law targeting foreign interference in the European Union (EU). The article “NoEUfara: Commission Postpones Foreign Interference Law” by ECNL, sheds light on this decision and its potential implications. The postponement is a response to concerns raised by CSOs and other stakeholders regarding the potential impact

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RACoP Event Spotlight: Driving Real Change in the Balkans through NGO Partnerships and Community-Led Development

A recent online Regional Accountability Community of Practice (RACoP) event, hosted by BCSDN EO brought to the forefront the transformative power of NGO partnerships and community-led development in catalyzing meaningful change. This gathering showcased the vital role of CSOs and local communities in driving sustainable development initiatives. Through engaging community members in participatory processes, the

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Funding Civil Society in Partner Countries: Toolkit for implementing the DAC Recommendation

Funding civil society actors in partner countries remains marginal despite recognition of the importance of localising support and international commitments to strengthening partner-country civil society actors’ ownership. Only 7% of OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) members’ CSOs funding goes directly to partner-country CSOs. This OECD toolkit offers providers guidance for funding civil society actors in

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European Commission New Taxonomy Regulation Proposal for Green Transition

The European Commission has revealed a new Taxonomy Regulation proposal aimed at accelerating the green transition. The proposal seeks to establish a comprehensive framework that sets criteria for determining environmentally sustainable economic activities. By providing a classification system, the regulation aims to guide investors, companies, and policymakers in making informed decisions and combatting greenwashing. The

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CfP: SMART Balkans – Regional Grants (Deadline: 30 June)

Target group: CSOs from all 6 countries, applying in consortiums of minimum 3 CSOs from 3 countries can apply for Regional Grants. Also, already formed regional networks are eligible to apply. The applicants must have experience in working in the Western Balkans region and with various stakeholders (state and non-state). Aim: Overall objective of the

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CfP: (North Macedonia) Open Call for Financial Support of Youth Projects and Actions (Deadline: 30 June)

Target group: Youth organizations and individuals involved in youth projects and actions from North Macedonia Aim: To provide financial support to youth projects and actions that promote personal and professional development, social inclusion, and active citizenship among young people. Amount: 5.000 – 8.000 EUR Duration: N/A Link to the original call (CID)

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CfP: Western Balkans Fund Move Grants (Deadline: 5 July)

Target group: Organizations and individuals in the Western Balkans Aim: The Western Balkans Fund (WBF) is inviting proposals for projects that promote regional cooperation and integration in the Western Balkans. The aim of the call is to support initiatives that contribute to strengthening cooperation, fostering dialogue, and enhancing mutual understanding among the countries of the

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CfA: Gender Mainstreaming Training Programme for Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) Implementers in Western Balkans and Türkiye (Deadline: 16 June)

Target group: CSOs interested in developing and implementing FSTP programs Countries: Western Balkans and Türkiye Short description: This training program aims to enhance the knowledge of CSOs on gender mainstreaming throughout the entire grant-making cycle. It focuses on steps such as identifying needs, developing funding/selection criteria, selecting applications, providing ongoing support/mentoring, and assessing results/impact. The

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CfA: Traineeship Call for October 2023 Cohort (Deadline: 31 July)

Target group: Individuals interested in a traineeship opportunity Countries: International/Europe Short description: This call invites applications for the Traineeship Call for the October 2023 Cohort. The traineeship offers an opportunity for individuals to gain practical experience and enhance their skills in a specific field. The selected trainees will be assigned to work on various projects

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