News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) has reviewed draft reports on Serbia and Kosovo, emphasizing the need to relaunch dialogue and advance rule of law reforms. The report on Serbia, led by MEP Tonino Picula, rapporteur for Serbia, acknowledges the country’s formal commitment to EU integration but raises concerns over judicial independence, alignment
Read more →Student-led protests in Serbia continue to gain significant public backing, with 80% of citizens supporting the students’ demands, and one-third actively participating in demonstrations. The protests, initially sparked by concerns over corruption and governance failures after the collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy, which tragically claimed 15 lives, have since grown into a
Read more →Together with our member TÜSEV, we present the Monitoring Matrix on the Enabling Environment for Civil Society Development 2022-2023 Türkiye Report. According to the report’s findings, civil society continues to face legal and bureaucratic restrictions that limit freedom of association. Vague legal terms like “public order” and “morality” enable arbitrary enforcement, further shrinking civic space.
Read more →In a letter to the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Albanian CSOs, including BCSDN member Partners Albania for Change and Development, raise concerns over the lack of transparency in assessing the 2019–2023 Roadmap and drafting the 2024–2027 framework. The letter highlights that, despite the government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for civil society,
Read more →The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a crucial regulation aimed at protecting digital rights and ensuring accountability in the online space. As the Western Balkans align their laws with EU standards, the DSA offers a framework to tackle illegal content and protect users. However, challenges exist, including online fraud, weak regulation, and limited platform accountability.
Read more →A recent study by the Institute of Philosophy and Social Theory, University of Belgrade, supported by Helvetas Serbia and BCSDN member Civic Initiatives, highlights strategies for CSOs to strengthen community connections. The research emphasizes five key findings: raising awareness and identifying allies, building and measuring support through partnerships, capacity building through resources and collaboration, and
Read more →The CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE) has urged all development stakeholders to take a stand against the US government’s suspension of foreign aid, calling it a serious escalation in the crisis of multilateralism. The platform condemns similar past US actions, including withdrawals from international agreements such as the Paris Agreement, WHO, and UN Tax
Read more →Philea has published the “2025 Democracy Briefer for Funders: What’s Happening to European Democracy and What Funders Can Do About It,” an in-depth explainer commissioned by the Democracy Network. This publication examines the phenomenon of democratic backsliding in Europe. The briefer identifies key factors contributing to democratic erosion, such as unmet socio-economic needs, increasing polarization,
Read more →Target group: CSO 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: 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
Read more →Target group: Mid-career professionals in cyber security or cyber policy Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia Short Description: A ten-week fellowship hosted by Cranfield University, focused on cyber security, cyber policy, and national security, with a focus on the Western Balkans. It covers cyber threats, cyber-crime, law enforcement concerns, and the
Read more →Target group: Undergraduate students, recent graduates, and young professionals. Countries: United States, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Short Description: The Humanity in Action Fellowship is an educational program focused on social justice, human rights, and democratic values. Participants engage in a three-week immersive experience in one of the program cities, followed by the implementation
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