What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

BTI Transformation Index 2026: East-Central and Southeast Europe

The Bertelsmann Stiftung Transformation Index (BTI) 2026 finds that East-Central and Southeast Europe remains the best-performing region among developing and transition countries, combining resilient economies with mixed progress in political transformation. While some countries continue democratic consolidation and Poland has been undoing the damage of previous illiberal rule, backsliding has deepened in Hungary, Slovakia and

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BiH: SafeJournalists Condemn Hate Speech Targeting Journalist Ivica Puljić

The SafeJournalists Network condemns the aggressive, insulting and defamatory rhetoric used by Kemal S. Beganović advisor to Željko Komšić, member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, against journalist Ivica Puljić. Through social media posts, Beganović used degrading language and baseless accusations to discredit the journalist’s professional work and personal integrity, including references linked to

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North Macedonia: AJM Demands an Urgent Investigation into the Series of Online Attacks on “Sloboden Pechat”

The Association of Journalists of North Macedonia (AJM) calls for an urgent investigation into repeated coordinated bot attacks targeting the Instagram profiles of the media outlet “Sloboden Pechat,” with the latest incidents occurring in recent days. Thousands of suspicious accounts, often from abroad, reacted within minutes, indicating organised and malicious activity aimed at disrupting the

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Liberties: Messaging that (Re)Builds Public Support for Civic Space

Liberties messaging guide explores how to rebuild public support for NGOs working on human rights issues, focusing on how people form opinions and what messages resonate. Research across EU countries show that “undecided” audiences have low awareness and understanding of advocacy NGOs and are not strongly influenced by smear campaigns, meaning their views can shift

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Serbia: Dismissal of N1 News Director Raises Concerns Over Independent Media

The European Federation of Journalists condemned the dismissal of N1 News Director Igor Božić, warning it raises serious concerns about the future of independent journalism in Serbia. Božić, currently unassigned pending a final decision, is supported by N1 staff and media organisations gathering in solidarity. His removal follows the restructuring of independent newsrooms under the

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Türkiye: Joint Statement Warns of Escalating Repression of LGBTI+ Activists

A joint statement by European and national human rights organisations raises serious concern over escalating repression of LGBTI+ activists and organisations in Türkiye, highlighting the court-ordered closure of Genç LGBTİ+ and legal cases against its board members and human rights defender Defne Güzel. The cases, based on “morality” and “obscenity” grounds, risk imprisonment and restrictions

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2026 Marks 20 Years of Accountable Now!

Accountable Now marks its 20th anniversary in 2026 with a year-long campaign highlighting key principles of Dynamic Accountability through events, resources, and publications. The initiative brings together reflections from across two decades of work while offering new opportunities for learning and engagement. Recent activities include trainings and support services for members, including sessions on decision-making

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CHS Alliance Humanitarian Accountability Report 2026

The Humanitarian Accountability Report (HAR) 2026 is CHS Alliance’s flagship report assessing the state of quality and accountability in the humanitarian sector, with a focus on accountability to affected people (AAP) amid current funding constraints and the Humanitarian Reset. Drawing on sector-wide data, research, and practitioner insights, it identifies key trends, highlights persistent gaps and

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Aid at a Turning Point: ODA Drops to Pre-2030 Levels

Official development assistance (ODA) fell to USD 174.3 billion in 2025—a sharp 23.1% drop and the largest annual decline on record, reversing gains made since the start of the 2030 Agenda. The contraction was driven largely by cuts from major donors, with the United States alone accounting for most of the decrease. Both bilateral and

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Bulgaria International Fundraising Conference Brings Civil Society to Sofia (18 June)

The second edition of the International Fundraising Conference will take place on 18 June 2026 in Sofia, bringing together civil society leaders, fundraising professionals, and corporate representatives from across Europe. Organised by the Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law (BCNL) and initiated by Fundraising Club Bulgaria, the event focuses on “Fundraising in Times of Courage,” highlighting

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CfP: Support to projects of CSOs in Western Balkans -Together For LGBTQI+ Equality (Deadline: 27 April)

Target Group: CSOs registered in Western Balkans Aim: To promote equality and inclusion of LGBTIQ+ persons through advocacy, awareness-raising, alliance-building and strategic litigation, and to strengthen civil society capacities in addressing discrimination Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia Amount: EUR 10,000 – 18,000 per project (total budget EUR 300,000) Duration: /

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CfP: CIVICUS Digital Action Lab Cohort 3 (Deadline: 30 April)

Target Group: CSOs (formal or informal), networks, movements, and coalitions, or Individual activists formally affiliated with a civil society organization. Priority to underrepresented and marginalised actors, including women, youth, LGBTQI+, Indigenous Peoples, and grassroots groups. Applicants must be based in OECD DAC ODA-eligible countries. Preference for organisations in obstructed or repressed civic space contexts and

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