News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Short Description: The Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (CMPF) invites applications for the 14th edition of its Summer School, exploring the evolving role of journalism in the age of digital platforms, generative AI, and political and news influencers. Target Group: Mid-career journalists and media practitioners; also open to other stakeholders from the news
Read more →Short Description: The Presidential Center Stevo Pendarovski invites applications for the first cohort of the “Echoes of Democracy” political school, a three-month programme designed to engage young professionals from the Western Balkans in critical discussions on democracy, regional cooperation, geopolitics, AI and disinformation, and EU integration. Target Group: Young professionals aged 22–40 with an interest
Read more →Short Description: The Philanthropic Leadership Platform: China-Europe is an intensive peer-led learning and exchange programme for philanthropy professionals from China and Europe, focusing on resilience and commitment in philanthropy. Target Group: Philanthropy professionals from operating and grantmaking foundations across China and Europe, at different roles and experience levels. Countries: China and European countries. Location: Shanghai,
Read more →The European Union is reviewing its financial commitments to Serbia following the adoption of controversial judicial reforms, warning that these measures are “eroding trust.” EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos confirmed that the Commission is reconsidering a 1.6 billion EUR allocation of loans and grants under the EU Growth Plan, citing strict rule-of-law preconditions. The new
Read more →The Constitutional Court of Republika Srpska has confirmed the unconstitutionality of the Law on the Special Registry and Publicity of Non-Profit Organisations, known as the “foreign agents” law, months after the Constitutional Court of BiH struck it down. The law, adopted in 2025, had been widely criticised as a repressive measure targeting civil society, journalists,
Read more →Serbia’s Ombudsman has proposed amendments to the Public Order and Peace Law that would extend its jurisdiction to social media, sparking intense backlash from civil society and legal experts. While framed as a move to regulate digital conduct, critics warn the draft uses vague language that could criminalize political criticism, satire, and irony, potentially leading
Read more →European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said future EU accession treaties should include stronger safeguards that would “bite hard” if new members backslide on rule of law commitments, with Montenegro likely to be the first tested under such rules. Speaking at an enlargement conference in Tallinn, Kos stressed there can be no shortcuts on reforms,
Read more →The 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) signals a worrying global stagnation in the fight against corruption, with the world average at 42 and more than two-thirds of countries scoring below 50. The results point to persistent weaknesses in governance, accountability, and the effectiveness of oversight institutions, alongside growing pressure on those working to expose wrongdoing.
Read more →According to Freedom House’s Freedom on the Net 2025 report, global internet freedom has declined for the 15th consecutive year, with conditions worsening in 28 of the 72 countries assessed. The findings point to a troubling global trend marked by more arrests for online expression, expanded digital surveillance, and growing use of information manipulation by
Read more →Civil society organisations are currently contributing to the public consultation on North Macedonia’s new Draft Law on Associations and Foundations, which addresses key aspects of the sector’s legal status, governance, and funding. The process remains open on the ENER Platform, allowing organisations to review the draft and submit comments. As part of this effort, the
Read more →Partners Albania, a BCSDN member, has submitted comprehensive recommendations on the draft Law on Donations and Sponsorships, advocating for a legal framework that balances transparency with operational ease. The organization urges lawmakers to avoid excessive administrative burdens that could stifle philanthropic activity, emphasizing that clear, simplified rules are essential for fostering public trust and sustaining
Read more →The OKO Coalition has issued an urgent call to Serbia’s Ministry of Health to publish final decisions on two public funding calls that have remained in limbo for nearly a year. Despite ranking lists being finalized in April 2025, the ministry has yet to disclose the allocation of over 25 million RSD intended for preventive
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