News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The post-war rebuilding of Ukraine is among Europe’s most complex and multifaceted challenges, requiring extensive coordination and resources. While the conflict continues, various recovery plans are actively being developed and implemented across different regions of the country. Experts emphasize that an inclusive approach is crucial, one that involves not only government agencies but also citizens,
Read more →The European Journalism Training Association (EJTA), with the Institute of Communication Studies (ICS), published its first guidelines for responsible AI use in journalism education. The guidelines are intended to motivate teachers, professors, but also students to focus their attention on critical thinking and the reasonable use of AI tools and to build a system of
Read more →Between March and April 2025, civil society organizations in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Serbia conducted focus groups and research on LBQ women facing gender-based violence. The findings highlight systemic protection gaps, legal invisibility, and exclusion in policies and services. Discussions with activists and providers underscored the neglect faced by LBQ survivors. The upcoming
Read more →Civil Society Europe (CSE) new `Civil Society State of Union` Report warns of a significant decline in democracy, human rights, and the rule of law since 2023, affecting both the EU and worldwide. Key findings include: democratic erosion, restrictive migration policies, weakened social rights, Inaction on climate change, and unchecked digitalization. The Civil Society State
Read more →Norway is intensifying its strategic engagement in the Western Balkans through targeted support for civil society development and media freedom. As part of its flagship regional initiative, the SMART Balkans project, implemented by a consortium led by the Center for Promotion of Civil Society (CPCD) and funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with
Read more →President von der Leyen announced the EU’s proposed €2 trillion Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034, aimed at addressing Europe’s challenges and ambitions. The budget is designed to support citizens, businesses, and partners with a focus on cohesion, prosperity, competitiveness, security, external action, and EU administration. This decision has been well received by civil society
Read more →Target Group: CSOs registered and operating in the Prespa region (Municipality of Resen). Aim: To support sustainable tourism and economic development through capacity building and direct financial support for eco-tourism initiatives. The program seeks to enhance local livelihoods, improve tourism services, and protect natural resources in the Prespa region. Countries: North Macedonia Amount: €20,000–€30,000 per
Read more →Target Group: CSOs with experience in gender-based violence and regional collaboration in the Western Balkans. Aim: To support four distinct regional initiatives to address technology-facilitated violence against women (TF VAW), including: Building a regional Community of Practice; Driving policy advocacy and offering technical support; Leading regional capacity-building; Developing and delivering targeted media training Countries: Albania,
Read more →Target Group: Independent experts and professionals from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Aim: To recruit external assessors for evaluating applications under the Small Grants for Media Content Production, part of the Small Media Support (SMS) Facility. Assessors will support transparent, quality-driven selection processes across the Western Balkans media landscape. Countries:
Read more →Target Group: Civil Society Organisations legally registered in Albania. Aim: To support Albanian CSOs through action grants that focus on: Diversity, Equality and Inclusion; Good Governance; Justice, Freedom and Security; Gender Equality and Gender-Based Violence. Projects should contribute to strengthening democratic values and advancing human rights. Country: Albania Amount: Total available budget is €7,200,000 Duration:
Read more →Target Group: CSOs registered under local law in North Macedonia for more than two years. Aim: To financially support local CSOs for projects of up to 12 months that address: Health and access to care; Inclusion of marginalized communities; Special attention will be given to well-defined initiatives that meet specific local needs and include communication
Read more →Short Description: European House Budapest invites young changemakers to participate in a unique summer camp designed to empower youth from the four EU macro-regions (Baltic Sea, Danube, Adriatic & Ionian, and Alpine). The programme includes expert-led workshops, peer exchange, and networking opportunities to strengthen cross-border youth collaboration and participation in EU macro-regional strategies. Target Group:
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