News and updates from BCSDN and the region
A non-paper signed by Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg proposes a general template for future accession treaties to ensure that forthcoming EU enlargements strengthen rather than strain the Union. The document calls for enhanced safeguards in the rule of law, including a binding non-regression clause and an extended safeguard clause covering democratic principles
Read more →BiEPAG published an analysis of the 2026 EU–Western Balkans Summit, examining the implications of the new Merz–Macron proposal on gradual integration and the future of EU enlargement. The analysis explores opportunities for deeper integration of candidate countries into EU policies and the Single Market before full membership, while also warning against rewarding limited reforms and
Read more →A broad coalition of civil society, media freedom, and human rights organisations has expressed concern over the public targeting of Kristina Voko, Executive Director of BIRN Albania, by Albanian MP Ardit Bido following her intervention during a parliamentary hearing. The signatories argue that a legitimate contribution concerning the legal obligations of the public broadcaster was
Read more →In a major interview published by EUobserver, Natacha Kazatchkine, Secretary General of the European Civic Forum (ECF), warns that a coordinated effort — including through the European Parliament’s EPP-driven Scrutiny Working Group on NGO financing is starving civil society of funding, legitimacy, and space to defend democratic values. Kazatchkine identifies three converging threats: legislation targeting
Read more →A coalition of ten press and media freedom organizations — coordinated by the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) has written to EU Ministers for European Affairs calling for the suspension of EU funds to Serbia in response to an accelerating spiral of violence against journalists. The letter documents a 367% increase in physical attacks on
Read more →A recently published analysis by BCSDN member CNVOS offers a detailed, fact-based rebuttal to government proposals to abolish the national Fund for the Development of NGOs, following a minister’s statement that 1% income-tax donations could replace it. The analysis demonstrates that the fund — which has distributed EUR 69 million to 558 organizations and leveraged
Read more →CSOs and human rights advocates have raised concerns over proposed provisions reportedly included in Türkiye’s upcoming 12th Judicial Package. According to reporting by Kaos GL, a leading Turkish LGBTI+ rights organisation and media platform, the draft would introduce new restrictions affecting LGBTI+ individuals, including changes to gender affirmation procedures and provisions that rights groups argue
Read more →Negotiations on the EU’s 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) have intensified following a proposal by the Cyprus Presidency to reduce the European Commission’s nearly EUR 2 trillion budget proposal by 2%. While southern and eastern Member States have largely welcomed the proposal, particularly the protection of agricultural and regional funding, fiscally conservative countries led by
Read more →A recent analysis highlights the growing importance of participatory and ethical storytelling in development and humanitarian work. The article argues that traditional approaches often portray communities through narrow, deficit-based narratives, while excluding them from shaping how their experiences are represented. Instead, it advocates for storytelling that is developed with communities rather than about them, recognising
Read more →Target Group: Small media outlets and CSOs owning media outlets in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, with annual turnover below EUR 100,000 and fewer than seven employees. Aim: To support the production of high-quality, independent, fact-based journalism, including investigative and in-depth reporting, multimedia content, and audience engagement initiatives that strengthen
Read more →Target Group: Non-governmental organisations working on gender-based violence, gender equality, and human rights in Montenegro, with particular encouragement for organisations supporting women from marginalised groups and local community-based organisations. Aim: To support initiatives focused on rehabilitation, reintegration, protection, and support services for survivors of violence, as part of the project “Institutionalisation of Quality Services for
Read more →Target Group: CSOs and civil society actors in North Macedonia eligible for project partnership funding from the French Embassy. Aim: To support civil society projects aligned with French-Macedonian cooperation priorities, including democracy, cultural dialogue, and community development. Countries: North Macedonia Amount: Should not exceed EUR 5,000 and may represent no more than 75% of the
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