News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), at its 600th plenary session, adopted an opinion emphasizing that EU enlargement is a value-driven process. The opinion stresses that social partners and civil society organizations (CSOs) are essential for advancing democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in candidate countries. The EESC calls on the European
Read more →The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) has launched the Human Rights Structures Navigator, a comprehensive new tool designed to support the enabling environment for human rights protection across Europe. The Navigator provides a centralised overview of major human rights institutions and structures across EU Member States and candidate countries. Designed for practitioners, EU
Read more →Disinformation surrounding youth protests in Serbia is being deployed to suppress civic engagement and undermine trust in democratic institutions. Following a “historic day of anger” in mid-March 2025—sparked by the tragic collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy and student demands for accountability—pro-government media quickly moved to reframe the demonstrations. Instead of addressing the
Read more →The Institute of Communication Studies in Skopje, North Macedonia, launched Kairos – Journal of Media and Communications Review in 2022. This open-access platform aims to foster knowledge exchange among academics, researchers, and professionals in media and communications. Kairos focuses on contemporary issues and future developments across interdisciplinary discussions, empirical research, and the interaction of expertise
Read more →The Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN) participated in the SMART Balkans Regional Conference 2025, “Think SMART: Rethinking the Old-School Funding Approach,” held in Sarajevo on November 12–13. The event convened civil society leaders, donors, and policymakers to discuss innovative funding for the civil sector in the Western Balkans. BCSDN’s Communication Officer, Toshe Zafirov, presented
Read more →Target Group: Mid-career and young media professionals (min. 1 year experience) affiliated with Western Balkan Public Service Media (PSMs) that have signed an MoU with the Goethe-Institut and DW Akademie. Includes both staff and freelancers formally engaged with these PSMs. Aim: To support short-term international mobility through job-shadowing placements in EU or Western Balkan PSMs,
Read more →Target Group: Media outlets in the Western Balkans producing cross-border, investigative, and multimedia journalistic content, with a focus on including underrepresented groups such as minorities, youth, and women. Aim: To support the production of high-quality, cross-border journalism that is investigative, impactful, and inclusive, while providing on-the-job mentoring and capacity building for participating journalists. Countries: Western
Read more →Target Group: Transnational partnerships, public institutions, NGOs, research bodies, SMEs, and other eligible organisations across the Danube Region. Aim: To support innovative, cross-border cooperation projects that strengthen economic, social, and environmental development in the Danube Region through practical, transnational solutions. Countries: Danube Region Programme area (multiple EU and non-EU countries in the region) Amount: Approx.
Read more →Target Group: Civil society organisations in North Macedonia implementing innovative green initiatives addressing climate change, environmental protection, and circular economy development. Aim: To strengthen the capacities of local CSOs and support green actions that contribute to socio-economic and environmental development, while increasing ecological responsibility and delivering tangible, long-term results for local communities. Countries: North Macedonia
Read more →Target Group: Registered civil society organizations and coalitions in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia; unregistered grassroots initiatives may apply through a registered lead CSO. Aim: To provide core organizational support of up to €20,000 for 12 months, enabling organizations to maintain and strengthen their ongoing programmatic and strategic work
Read more →Short Description: The Youth Future Summit 2026 gathers young leaders from over 120 countries to shape global discussions on climate action, artificial intelligence, sustainable development, global governance, equity, and innovation. Hosted in Geneva, the world’s hub of diplomacy, the Summit offers participants exclusive access to UN institutions, CERN, and leading Geneva-based policy organizations. Target Group:
Read more →Short Description: TOSCA offers an online training course designed to build the capacities of organisations involved in European Solidarity Corps volunteering actions, ensuring quality and impact in their projects. Participants engage in synchronous sessions, asynchronous learning on the HOP platform, and collaborative exercises to strengthen organisational competences, foster a supportive network, and apply best practices
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