News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The Europe Press Freedom Report 2024, published by the Council of Europe, highlights persistent threats to media freedom across Europe, with Serbia and Turkey among the worst-performing countries. The report recorded 226 alerts on the CoE’s Platform for journalist protection, with Turkey registering 28 alerts and Serbia 20. The most common threats were attacks on
Read more →The SafeJournalists Network condemns the March 9th attack on journalist Dušanka Pejović from RTCG in Podgorica, where she was verbally assaulted and threatened outside her home. The attacker was swiftly arrested, and authorities confirmed the attack was linked to her journalistic work. While welcoming the police’s prompt response, SafeJournalists calls for a swift conviction and
Read more →In a letter, the Association of Journalists of Macedonia and the Independent Union of Journalists and Media Workers strongly condemn the public targeting of journalists by a former national television editor, who, through social media, has misused private photos to discredit them. They claim that journalists from media outlets such as the Investigative Reporting Lab,
Read more →The guide provided by the SANE network offers practical strategies for CSOs to counter shrinking civic space and rebuild public trust. Drawing on over a decade of experience, the guide provides evidence-based tools, case studies, and communication strategies to help CSOs respond to attack narratives and strengthen democratic principles. It highlights the role of narrative
Read more →The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) has regained access to congressionally appropriated funds after restrictions since late January. The State Department’s decision to lift these limitations is a crucial step in restoring NED’s ability to support democracy worldwide. This follows a lawsuit challenging the unlawful denial of 167 million USD in obligated funds and 72
Read more →Philea warns that EU member states have only a few months left to implement the European Council’s recommendations on developing the social economy, which could eliminate key barriers to cross-border philanthropy. These hurdles include discriminatory tax treatment, restricted access to banking services, and growing restrictions on so-called foreign agents, a concern in countries such as
Read more →INTRAC is deeply concerned about the recent ODA cuts by several OECD countries, including the US, the Netherlands, and the UK, which signal a dangerous shift toward isolationism and a failure to uphold commitments to poverty eradication. As per INTRAC, while aid should not be a long-term necessity, these cuts—driven by rising right-wing nationalism—have been
Read more →Target group: CSOs in North Macedonia Aim: Strengthen CSOs’ participation and engagement in inclusive, transparent, and accountable local elections, with a focus on women’s participation, youth, and marginalized groups. Amount: 9 000 – 10 000 EUR Duration: 9 to 12 months Deadline: 10 April Link to more information (Civil Society Resource Centre in North Macedonia)
Read more →Target group: Mid-career and young media professionals with at least one year of experience, engaged in content development for public media services in the Western Balkans, and formally affiliated (employed or freelance) with a PSM that has an MoU with Goethe-Institut and DW Akademie. Aim: To enhance the professional abilities and understanding of PSM media
Read more →Target group: CSOs, local and regional authorities, research institutions, and public universities from EU Member States and eligible non-EU countries. Aim: To support projects fostering civic engagement and democratic participation, including exchanges on EU policy priorities, countering disinformation, and promoting citizen involvement in decision-making. Amount: 33 million EUR total budget; minimum grant amount 75 000 EUR.
Read more →Target group: Incorporated legal entities (organisations, companies) across Europe Aim: To support enabling activities and services for environmental investigative journalism by funding training and professional development programs that help journalists enhance their skills in reporting on environmental issues. Amount: The total available amount per call to be distributed among all supported projects will be around
Read more →Target group: Young climate leaders and youth-led organizations worldwide. Aim: To support innovative and impactful youth-led solutions addressing climate change through funding, capacity-building, and networking opportunities. Amount: Up to 30,000 USD per project, with total allocated support reaching 2.5 million USD globally since 2023. Duration: Over a maximum of 24 months Deadline: 26 May Link
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