What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

Blended Finance and the illusion of Development: Lessons from the EFSD+ for the next EU Budget

The proposed Global Europe Instrument (GEI) for the EU’s 2028–2034 budget signals a major shift toward investment-driven external action, moving away from traditional development approaches. Drawing on lessons from the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), experts warn that blending and guarantee-based tools often fail to deliver meaningful results, particularly for the most vulnerable

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CfP: People-to-People Cross-Border Cooperation Initiatives in North Macedonia and Albania 2026 (Deadline: 17 April)

Target Group: Local actors, CSOs, schools, universities, municipalities, and institutions established by local governments in North Macedonia and Albania, implementing small cross-border initiatives in the eligible programme area. Aim: To support small-scale cross-border projects that foster good neighbourly relations, regional integration, dialogue, and joint local development. Projects may include cross-border competitions, conferences, and seminars promoting

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CfP: WBF 8th Call: Grant for Grassroots Initiatives in the Western Balkans (Deadline: 20 April)

Target Group: CSOs and other eligible stakeholders from the Western Balkans, applying in regional partnerships (minimum two partners from the region). Aim: To strengthen regional cooperation, dialogue, and people-to-people connections by supporting grassroots initiatives that foster collaboration and exchange across the Western Balkans. Countries: Western Balkans Amount: Up to EUR 15,000 per project (total call

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CfP: Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme – Call for Proposals to Promote Gender Equality (CERV-2026-GE) (Deadline: 28 April)

Target Group: Public authorities, labour inspectorates, equality bodies, CSOs, women’s rights organisations, social partners, media and advertising professionals, and other eligible stakeholders from eligible countries. Profit-oriented organisations may apply only in partnership with public entities or private non-profit organisations. Aim: To support projects that promote women’s rights and gender equality, including work-life balance, equal pay,

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CfP: Creative Europe – European Cooperation Projects 2026 (Deadline: 5 May)

Target Group: Legal entities (public and private), including cultural and creative organizations registered in one of the 40 countries participating in the Creative Europe Programme – Culture subprogramme. Aim: To support transnational cooperation in the cultural and creative sectors by strengthening the creation and circulation of European artistic works, fostering innovation, enhancing capacities, promoting mobility

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CfP: Growth Reform – Small Grants Mechanism 2026 (Deadline: 6 May)

Target Group: CSOs, including non-profit entities legally registered in North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Kosovo, or Montenegro, with active experience in relevant thematic areas at national or local level. Aim: To strengthen civil society in independent monitoring, advocacy, and sectoral perspectives regarding the implementation of the Western Balkans Growth Plan. Countries: North Macedonia,

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CfP: European Endowment for Democracy – Flexible Grants for Democratic Change (Deadline: N/A)

Target Group: Local actors, organisations, and initiatives promoting democratic change in the European Neighbourhood and beyond. Aim: To support locally driven initiatives that foster sustainable and inclusive democratic transitions. EED provides flexible, rapid-response funding to adapt to evolving local contexts, including challenging environments where other donors may not operate. Countries: European Neighbourhood and beyond Amount:

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CfA: ALF Hands-On 2025–2026 – Peer-to-Peer Capacity Enhancement Training (Deadline: 7 April)

Short Description: The Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF) is inviting experienced civil society professionals to participate in ALF Hands-On, a free online peer-to-peer training programme designed to enhance professional skills in management, intercultural dialogue, governance, media literacy, AI ethics, peacebuilding, youth engagement, social innovation, and fighting misinformation. Participants can choose from 21 interactive training modules, which

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CfA: Supporting Communities in Crisis – Evidence on Funder Motivations, Barriers and Opportunities (Deadline: 8 April)

Short Description: The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) is hosting a webinar examining new research into what motivates philanthropic organisations to support communities facing complex crises, the barriers they encounter, and opportunities for more effective engagement. The session will present findings from the upcoming report Philanthropy Isn’t Indifferent, It’s Uncertain, exploring how funders can better

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CfA: Travel and Accommodation Fellowship for POINT 14 Conference (Deadline: 13 April)

Short Description: The POINT 14 Conference is offering travel and accommodation fellowships for participants from the Western Balkans who are interested in topics such as political accountability, open data, democracy, transparency, civic technology, media integrity, and the impact of technology on society. Target Group: Civil society activists, journalists, researchers, academics, technologists, media professionals, civic tech

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CfA: Unlocking Doors to Recognition – Seminar on Recognition of Youth Work and Non-Formal Learning (Deadline: 1 May)

Short Description: SALTO-YOUTH invites youth workers, trainers, and representatives of youth organisations to a five-day seminar aimed at supporting the recognition of youth work and non-formal learning across Europe. Participants will develop strategies to enhance recognition within their communities and organisations, exchange good practices, and strengthen networking among peers. Target Group: Youth workers, trainers, representatives

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From Brussels Dialogue to Regional Action: BCSDN Bringing WBT Civil Society into New Europe’s Democracy Framework

From 3–6 March, BCSDN carried out its annual advocacy mission to Brussels at a pivotal moment for EU democracy initiatives and enlargement policy. As the EU moves to operationalize the Civil Society Strategy and the European Democracy Shield, while preparing the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034), BCSDN engaged with European Commission representatives, Members of the

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