News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The 2024 Assessment of the Capacities and Needs of CSOs in Albania, conducted by the National Resource Centre for Civil Society, offers a detailed overview of the current challenges facing the sector. The report identifies key gaps in organisational management, financial sustainability, participation in policymaking, and engagement in the EU integration process. These findings will
Read more →In a new strategic overview, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) underscores the enduring relevance of democracy support as both a moral obligation and a long-term investment in global stability, prosperity, and resilience. The report positions democracy as a system that delivers tangible benefits, including economic development, civic accountability, and peace, contrasting sharply with authoritarian
Read more →The CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE) has issued a detailed response to the first draft of the outcome document for the upcoming 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4). While welcoming stronger language on aid quantity and effectiveness, CPDE argues the draft remains insufficient to meet the scale of today’s global challenges. It
Read more →Target group: Public or private legal entities established in EU Member States or countries associated to the CERV ProgrammeCountries: EU Member States and CERV-associated or negotiating countriesAim: This call supports initiatives to prevent and combat all forms of gender-based violence and domestic violence, particularly against women and girls, as well as violence against children, LGBTQI
Read more →Target group: Civil society organizations with at least two years of experience in youth engagement, environmental sustainability, rural development, or cultural heritageCountries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and SerbiaAim: The BOOST Program, supported by the Agence Française de Développement, offers funding for national CSOs to implement projects that empower youth and women,
Read more →Target group: European non-governmental organisations (ENGOs) and EU-wide networks active in the field of youth Countries: EU Member States and Erasmus+ Programme Countries (including EEA and associated countries) Aim: This call provides structural support in the form of operating grants to ENGOs and EU-wide networks working on youth issues. It aims to enhance their capacity
Read more →Target group: Journalists reporting on EU member states and EU-aspiring countries Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine, and Kosovo Aim: To support in-depth investigative stories that shed light on critical political, economic, and social issues. Selected journalists will receive financial support and editorial mentoring as part of the
Read more →Target group: Policy researchers, experts, civil society actors, academics, and government stakeholders from the WB6 and EU Location: Online (via Zoom) Short Description: SCiDEV invites stakeholders to join a series of online consultations focused on enhancing mobility-driven research and innovation (R&I) in the Western Balkans. Supported by the Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans, the
Read more →Target group: Civil society actors, journalists, researchers, political analysts, and the general public Location: Burgtheater, Vienna Short Description: As global right-wing networks challenge democratic institutions and values, this Debating Europe panel discussion will explore how authoritarian and populist movements operate across borders. Experts will examine the role of digital platforms in spreading anti-democratic narratives and
Read more →Democracy” (Deadline: 21 April) Target group: Experienced researchers, policy analysts, or digital rights experts (individuals or teams) Countries: Global/Remote Short Description: CIVICUS, through its Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI), is seeking a research consultant to investigate the growing influence of tech billionaires over democratic institutions, civic space, and digital governance. The study will explore how control
Read more →Target group: Civil society organisations, academics, legal experts, policymakers, and EU citizens interested in democracy, fundamental rights, and rule of law Location: Online (EU Commission portal) Short description: The European Commission invites stakeholders to provide feedback on the upcoming European Democracy Shield, a new initiative aimed at addressing the most serious risks to democracy in
Read more →Following one of the largest civic mobilizations in Serbia’s recent history, marked by a worrying pattern of state violence and intimidation, BCSDN reiterates its condemnation of the systematic pressure of Serbia’s civil society and calls for robust EU action to protect civic space. The 15 March protest in Belgrade, sparked by the fatal infrastructure collapse
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