What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

CfA: Policy Study on Populism and Gender Narratives in North Macedonia/Europe (Deadline: 8 August 2025)

Target Group: Individual researchers or research teams with expertise in gender studies, populism, and public policy analysis. Aim: To produce a 25–40 page policy study (7,000–10,000 words) exploring anti-gender mobilisation in North Macedonia within a broader European context. The study should map the actors and narratives involved, assess the legislative and policy impact, and provide

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CfA: Training – CAN Europe Journalist Workshop on Climate Disinformation, Western Balkans (Deadline: 8 August 2025)

Short Description: Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe is inviting applications for the second edition of its regional training for journalists, focused on climate disinformation, COP30, and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This in-person training aims to enhance reporting skills on climate and energy issues across the Western Balkans. Target Group: Professional journalists based in the Western

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CfA: Event Registration: International Civil Society Week 2025 (Deadline: N/A)

Short Description: Co-organised by CIVICUS: Global Civil Society Alliance and the Asia Democracy Network, ICSW 2025 will bring together global civil society under the theme “Celebrating citizen action: reimagining democracy, rights, and inclusion for today’s world.” The event honours the resilience and achievements of activists, movements, and civil society organizations worldwide. Target Group: Civil society

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CfA: SMART Balkans CSO Financial Management Academy (Deadline: 15 August 2025)

Short Description: For the first time in the Western Balkans, the SMART Balkans project is launching the CSO Financial Management Academy—an accredited, free educational program designed to strengthen the financial management capacities, transparency, and sustainability of civil society organizations. The Academy includes five in-person modules (up to 60 hours), covering topics such as legal frameworks,

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CfA: Side Sessions at the Belgrade Security Conference 2025 (Deadline: 15 August 2025)

Target Group: CSOs and think tanks from the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia). Partnerships with organizations outside the region are welcome, but the lead applicant must be from the Western Balkans. Aim: To host country-specific roundtable or fishbowl-style discussions on key issues aligned with the Belgrade Security Conference

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CfA: Youth@Work Partnership Building Activity – Youth Employability for Migrants and Displaced Youth (Deadline: 24 August 2025)

Short Description: This partnership-building activity will take place from 17–21 October 2025 in Baku, Azerbaijan, and will bring together 26 youth professionals working on youth employability for migrants and internally displaced young people. Participants will explore local realities, build new partnerships, and co-create ideas to support the inclusion and employment of displaced youth. Target Group:

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CfA: Youth@Work – Boosting Social Entrepreneurship through Erasmus+ & European Solidarity Corps (Deadline: 26 August 2025)

Short Description: This seminar will bring together 25 youth workers and professionals engaged in social entrepreneurship projects supported by Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps. Participants will reflect on past and current granted projects focused on entrepreneurship competences and explore new collaborations that promote youth empowerment, democratic participation, and social inclusion. Target Group: Youth workers,

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Apologies for the Delay

We extend our heartfelt apologies to our readers for the recent delay in sharing updates. A severe technical issue temporarily disrupted our usual workflow, but thanks to your patience and understanding, we are already working on long-term improvements to ensure a more stable and seamless experience. We truly value your trust and readership, and we

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Civil Society’s Role Undermined in EU Rule of Law Report

The European Commission’s 2025 Rule of Law Report acknowledges civil society as essential for EU integration but highlights persistent challenges across the Western Balkans. CSOs continue to face threats to operational space, legal uncertainty, and limited access to public funding. In Serbia, surveillance concerns are raised over the use of spyware targeting civil society. In

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BCSDN Condemns Excessive Police Violence at Serbian Protests

The Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN) issued a public statement condemning the disproportionate use of police force during the Vidovdan protest in Serbia on 28 June 2025. While demonstrators gathered peacefully to demand early elections and government accountability, law enforcement used tear gas, stun grenades, and physical force against protesters and journalists. BCSDN stressed

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