What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

CfA: Thematic Consultation on Standardisation of State Funding to Civil Society in North Macedonia

Short Description: The project Technical Support for Improving the Enabling Environment for Civil Society Organisations in the Republic of North Macedonia organises a thematic consultation bringing together key national stakeholders to discuss current practices, challenges, and legal solutions related to state funding for CSOs. Target Group: CSOs, relevant public institutions, representatives of the Working Group

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CfA: International Conference on Civic Space and Democratic Renewal (Deadline: 19 January 2026)

Short Description: The Council of Europe invites civil society actors, government representatives, and international organisations to a two-day international conference dedicated to strengthening civic space and advancing democratic renewal across Europe. Target Group: CSOs, representatives of Council of Europe member states, international organisations, experts, and other stakeholders working on civic space, democracy, and rights-based advocacy.

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CfA: EESC Civil Society Week 2026 (Deadline: TBA)

Short Description: The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) hosts the third edition of Civil Society Week, a four-day forum bringing together civil society actors, youth representatives, policymakers, journalists, and stakeholders from across Europe to discuss People, Democracy, and Resilience as foundations for Europe’s future. Target Group: CSOs and networks, grassroots activists, youth representatives, EU

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Transparency Without Stigmatisation: Safeguarding Civil Society in the EU’s Third-Country Lobbying Directive

The European Parliament has adopted its position on the draft Directive on Transparency of Third-Country Interest Representation, intended to expose lobbying on behalf of non-EU governments while excluding normal civil society work, research, media, and general foreign funding; however, European CSOs warn that vague definitions, unclear safeguards, and new terms such as “third-country sponsor” leave

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CfA: PRaćka 2025 – Conference on Communication Trends in the Civil Society Sector (Date: 15–16 December 2025)

Short Description:PRaćka 2025, the seventh edition of the conference on communication in the civil society sector, focuses on the challenges and opportunities of communicating in an increasingly restricted public space in Serbia. The conference explores how organisations can become anchors of trust, authenticity, and civic courage by relying on creativity, knowledge, and data. Target Group:CSOs,

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CSOs from the Western Balkans Demand Social Safeguards in EU Growth Plan

Civil society organizations from across the Western Balkans formally endorsed a joint declaration, calling for stronger social safeguards within the European Union’s Pact for Growth (part of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans). The declaration, signed by six organizations, emphasizes that the true success of the plan should not be measured solely by economic outcomes, but also

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BCSDN Analysis of the EC Enlargement Package 2025: Civic Space as a Credibility Test

The BCSDN released its 16th annual analysis, “Civic Space as a Credibility Test,” for the 2025 EU Enlargement Package, assessing the environment for civil society in the Western Balkans and Türkiye (WBT). The report highlights a critical structural gap: governments can advance accession while simultaneously restricting civic space—which, along with media freedom and democratic institutions, remains the weakest area across

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Volunteering as a Critical Defender of Civic Space in the Western Balkans

BCSDN underscores the vital role of volunteering as a powerful act of resilience against shrinking civic space in the Western Balkans. Following the Regional EU Conference, we emphasize that volunteers are crucial for activating local agency, building cross-border solidarity, and championing transparency. With 2026 declared the International Volunteering Year (IVY), BCSDN calls for governments to

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CSOs Renew Call for Boycott of EP’s NGO Scrutiny Group

Over 30 CSOs, coordinated by Transparency International EU and joined by the European Civic Forum, have signed a joint letter urging pro-democracy MEPs to boycott the European Parliament’s newly created Scrutiny Working Group on NGOs (SWG). The CSOs warn that the SWG is the product of politically motivated attacks by the European People’s Party and far-right groups, designed to

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Albania’s Draft Lobbying Law Risks Silencing Civil Society

Albania’s draft law “On Lobbying” is viewed as a positive move toward enhancing transparency and integrity in public decision-making. However, experts warn that several provisions risk placing Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the same regulatory regime as commercial lobbyists. The main concern is the broad definition of lobbying, which could classify ordinary public-interest activities—like consultations,

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EU Proposes Mandatory Registers to Tackle Foreign Interference

The European Commission has proposed mandatory national transparency registers for lobbying on behalf of third countries, aiming to counter foreign interference across EU democracies. This draft legislation, part of the 2023 ‘Defence of Democracy’ package, would require all Member States to establish harmonised registers and empower authorities to investigate and impose sanctions for non-compliance. In

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Maladministration Ruled in EU Omnibus I Preparation

The European Ombudswoman has found that the European Commission committed maladministration in preparing the Omnibus I on sustainability and the 2024 CAP “simplification.” This decision validates long-standing concerns raised by civil society that the Commission bypassed crucial impact assessments, restricted public participation, and favored industry interests. The ruling marks a significant win for NGOs and

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