What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

Safeguarding Democracy Report Focuses on AI and Elections in Development

The recent Safeguarding Democracy Report examines the global threats that polluted information environments, including AI, pose to democracy and elections, particularly in developing contexts. It analyses information pollution mechanisms and countermeasures. The report calls on development practitioners to strengthen information integrity by setting clearer rules for online political communication, supporting oversight institutions, and promoting ethical

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CoE Commissioner Alarmed by Shrinking Civic Space in Europe

Commissioner O’Flaherty expressed serious concern over the escalating crisis for CSOs and human rights defenders in Europe. Following meetings with activists, he highlighted shrinking civic space, restrictive laws targeting organizations receiving foreign funding, and rising harassment. Funding cuts (including the end of US aid) are forcing many organizations to scale back or close, particularly those

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CfP: For Journalists and Media Professionals: MIDWatch Fellowship (Deadline: 18 October 2025)

Target Group: Journalists and media professionals in Kosovo, including women journalists and journalists from non-majority communities. Aim: To support investigative journalism projects that fact-check and expose disinformation, producing media content across TV, radio, online, and social media formats. Countries: Kosovo Amount: £2,000 per project Duration: October 2025 – January 2026 Deadline: 18 October 2025 Link

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CfP: Civic Innovation Fund 2025–2026 – €10,000 Grants for Civic Education Projects (Deadline: 20 October 2025)

Target Group: Young NGOs, civic startups, and grassroots initiatives advancing democratic resilience, participation, and civic education across Europe and wider Europe. Aim: To support early-stage, bold, and collaborative ideas that strengthen democratic resilience and civic engagement, addressing challenges such as declining trust in institutions, youth radicalisation, social polarisation, and community resilience through civic education. Countries:

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CfP: Working Safe – Support to CSO Projects for LGBTQI+ Inclusion in the Western Balkans and Türkiye (Deadline: 2 November 2025)

Target Group: CSOs and networks working on LGBTQI+ rights, equality, and social inclusion in the Western Balkans and Türkiye. Aim: To promote the social inclusion and fundamental rights of LGBTQI+ persons, strengthen the role and capacities of LGBTQI+-led CSOs, and support local initiatives advancing equality, empowerment, and participation in public life. Countries: Albania, Bosnia and

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CfP: WBF MOVE 6th Call Grants are open for new applications (Deadline: 9 November 2025)

Target Group: Individuals from the Western Balkans — including academic staff, researchers, students, civil society activists, public employees, journalists, artists, athletes, and others. Aim: To enhance regional cooperation and mobility across the Western Balkans by supporting projects that foster collaboration, exchange, and mutual understanding among individuals in the region. Countries: Western Balkans (Contracting Parties of

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CfP: UN Women – WYDE | Women’s Leadership 2025–2027 (Deadline: 10 November 2025)

Target Group: Women’s rights and civil society organizations, especially youth-led, feminist, and intersectional organizations working to advance women’s political participation and leadership. Aim: To strengthen women’s leadership and participation in public life by supporting feminist movements and initiatives that transform social norms, foster intergenerational and intersectional leadership, and expand women’s decision-making power. Countries: Single-country projects

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CfP: PeaceNexus International Partners Organisational Development Call 2025 (Deadline: 17 November 2025)

Target Group: International organisations, networks, and coalitions with peacebuilding at the core of their mission and a track record in enabling locally led peacebuilding, preferably in the Western Balkans, Central Asia, South East Asia/Myanmar, or West Africa. Aim: To support international peacebuilding organisations in adapting their governance, structures, and partnership practices to strengthen equitable, mutually

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CfA: Event Hungarian Media Investment in the Balkans – A Test for Europe’s Media Law (Date: 16 October 2025)

Short Description: This online roundtable will examine the gaps left by the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) in addressing media capture, using case studies from Slovenia and North Macedonia. Experts and journalists will discuss how Europe can better safeguard media pluralism, independence, and accountability in the face of foreign investment and influence. Target Group: Journalists,

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CfA: BIRN Internet Freedom Meet 2025 in Pristina (Deadline: 19 October 2025)

Short Description: BIRN invites applications for the Internet Freedom Meet 2025 (IFM 2025), taking place in Pristina, Kosovo. Now in its third edition, IFM brings together experts, activists, and professionals to explore key issues in digital rights and internet freedoms across the Western Balkans. Target Group: Digital rights activists, tech enthusiasts, academics, journalists, and engaged

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CfA: BOLD25 Balkan Regional Youth Leadership Workshop – Community Engagement in the 21st Century (Deadline: 25 October 2025)

Short Description: Bard College Center for Civic Engagement, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Serbia, invites emerging youth leaders to the BOLD25 Balkan Regional Youth Leadership Workshop. This programme combines an immersive in-person experience with an online community of practice, equipping participants with skills in leadership, community engagement, project development, and cross-cultural collaboration. Target

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