What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

CfA: IPSA Regional Conference – Resilience of Democracy in a Polarized World (Proposal Deadline: 13 May)

Short Description: The International Political Science Association (IPSA), in cooperation with the Polish Political Science Association and the University of Wrocław, invites political scientists, researchers, and scholars to participate in a three-day international conference exploring democratic resilience, autocratization, polarization, and global political challenges. Target Group: Academic researchers, scholars, policy analysts, and postgraduate students in political

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EESC Conference with Social partners and CSOs from North Macedonia (Registration deadline: 6 March)

On 12 March, the European Economic and Social Committee’s Western Balkans Follow-up Committee will host a conference at Europe House Skopje, gathering organised civil society and social partners from North Macedonia, including BCSDN, together with EU representatives and national authorities to exchange views on key developments and priorities related to the country’s EU accession process.

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European Centre for Democratic Resilience Officially Launched

At the General Affairs Council, EU Ministers marked the launch of the European Centre for Democratic Resilience, a flagship initiative of the European Democracy Shield aimed at strengthening the EU’s response to threats such as disinformation, foreign interference, and electoral manipulation. The Centre will act as a strategic hub, connecting existing expertise, tools, and networks

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Call for Nominations: European SLAPP Contest 2026

CASE Coalition has opened nominations for the European SLAPP Contest 2026, highlighting the most abusive lawsuits filed in 2025 to intimidate journalists, activists, and civil society actors. The call invites submissions of the most egregious cases that demonstrate legal harassment, disproportionate claims, or efforts to silence public scrutiny. Selected nominees will be publicly highlighted, with

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Renewed Momentum in EU Enlargement: Montenegro and Albania at the Forefront

The war in Ukraine has revived EU enlargement, putting Montenegro and Albania at the forefront as negotiations advance, supported by Hungary’s pro-enlargement EU presidency—though final decisions rest with member states. Montenegro is considered the leading candidate, having opened all negotiating chapters and closed many, with possible membership by 2028 if reforms continue. Albania has also

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Powerful Interests are Driving Digital Repression in Southeast Europe

Digital spaces are increasingly becoming a pressure point for civic voices in Southeast Europe, where environmental activists, independent media, and anti-corruption groups face growing risks from online harassment, surveillance concerns, disinformation, and legal intimidation. Monitoring by BIRN shows that attacks are often targeted at actors challenging entrenched political or economic interests. Environmental defenders have been

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EP Draft Reports on Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia Highlight Need for Rule of Law Reforms for EU Accession

Draft annual reports on Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia were presented to the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), stressing that rule-of-law reforms are essential for EU accession. Rapporteurs noted limited progress alongside challenges such as corruption, political polarization, judicial independence, and weak implementation of reforms. Albania was urged to strengthen anti-corruption efforts, Montenegro

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Serbia: Analysis Raises Transparency Concerns Over Allocation of Public Funds to Civil Society

BCSDN member Civic Initiatives has published an analysis of the 2024 public calls issued by Serbia’s Ministry for Family Care and Demography, revealing serious transparency and accountability concerns in the allocation of public funds. Across four calls, around 176.7 million RSD were awarded to 75 organizations, with a notable share going to associations lacking visible

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North Macedonia: Appeals Court Upholds Defamation Ruling Against IRL Journalists in Case Raising SLAPP Concerns

The Skopje Court of Appeal has upheld a defamation ruling against journalists from the Investigative Reporting Lab (IRL), including editor-in-chief Saška Cvetkovska, in a case widely described as a SLAPP case. The lawsuit was filed by businessman and former Deputy Prime Minister Kočo Angjušev over IRL’s documentary on the alleged use of heavily polluting oil

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