News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The paper reflects on the shrinking civic space as a reason for the democratization backslide in Albania during 2015-2020, with a particular reference to the last two years. It is delivered on the assumption that a strong civic space contributes to the consolidation of democracy. The paper also recognizes the specific governmental policies and practices
Read more →In recent years, BiH authorities, individuals, and media close to the ruling parties intensified their pressures against journalists in the country. The government’s oppression escalated into accusations of media for their “unprofessionalism” and betraying the so-called ethnic entity, and state interests. As a result, freedom of expression and journalists’ reporting are on the margins, and
Read more →The Ministry of State Administration and Local Self-Government in Serbia published the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Free Access to Information of Public Importance. The public debate on the document will remain open until 16 June 2021. In response, a group of CSOs in the Coalition for Freedom of Access to Information,
Read more →The research aims to reveal how CSOs in the Black Sea Region are using digital tools to advance their mission, manage their resources, and outreach to donors and beneficiaries, before and during the COVID-19. The interest in the topic comes after the expanded use of the Internet and when social media and digital tools build
Read more →On 20 May 2021, BCSDN member MCIC held a session to review the first draft of the Code of Ethics for the Macedonian CSOs. Representatives of the informal platform for CSO transparency and accountability joined together virtually to reflect on the principles and actions covered in the Code. The event also brought BCSDN EO representatives
Read more →We gladly present our latest video, sharing insights on how CSO accountability is implemented in practice and how we can do more and inspire others. The video highlights that CSOs do a lot of great work to make our societies a better place. People are at the core of our work, but there is still much
Read more →Accountable Now has launched the application for Independent Review Panel (IRP) Member. The IRP reviews Accountable Now member reports in line with the 12 accountability commitments and suggests a more impact-oriented, timely, and flexible reporting process. IRP assessments is openly disclosed, and the assessment triggers a significant improvement in the organizations. The expert should be
Read more →The report prepared by Trag Foundation and presented by the Civil Society Resource Center in Serbia identifies the grass-root organizations’ key capacity needs in the early stages of their development. It further provides systematic insight into organizations’ existing knowledge for specific interventions in their organizational development at the Resource Center and recommendations to strengthen the
Read more →Discrimination dawns in cultural, social, economic, and technological forms. Technological discrimination entails how technology treats groups of people as amorphous and cannot distinguish between individuals because of the lack of data to perform it. The effects vary from incorrect suspect identification leading to wrongful arrest through constant prejudice in the workplace to embedding a cycle
Read more →Target groups: Informal or registered organizations from the Western Balkans. Aim: Providing rapid funding (in the form of expert support or direct funding for regional actions) for CSOs’ immediate needs or innovation whenever they need to address some challenging situation and protect civic space. Grant amount: Max 10,000 EUR (total funding available 340,000 EUR). Duration: up to 2
Read more →Target groups: Albanian NGOs. Aim: To promote the rule of law, good governance, civic engagement, entrepreneurship, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM); English language learning; and environmental protection and awareness. Grant amount: 2,000- 10,000 USD. Duration: 6-12 months. Link to the original call (U.S Embassy in Albania)
Read more →Target groups: Know-how providers- registered in EU CEI Member States (Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, the Slovak Republic, and Slovenia); know-how beneficiary- registered in a non-EU CEI Member State (Albania, Belarus, BiH, Moldova, Montenegro, N. Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine). Aim: To contribute to the development of the CEI region, bolstering social
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