What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

EESC Civil Society Days 2025: Strengthening Cohesion and Participation in Polarised Societies (17-20 March)

On 17-20, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is organizing Civil Society Week, bringing together civil society stakeholders across Europe to address polarisation and strengthen democratic engagement. As overlapping crises—from economic downturns to climate change and widening disparities—deepen societal divisions, the urgency to foster cohesion and participation has never been greater. The outcomes of

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OECD Working Paper: Towards Meaningful Civil Society Participation at the International Level

The OECD Working Paper examines the importance of structured, inclusive, and effective civil society participation in international decision-making. As global challenges become more complex, international organizations increasingly recognize the need to incorporate diverse perspectives to enhance legitimacy, foster trust, and improve policymaking. However, participation remains inconsistent, requiring strong legal frameworks, transparent engagement strategies, and a

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Serbia: Protests Met with Repression, Resistance, Resignations and Students Nobel Peace Prize Nomination

Protests across Serbia demanding transparency and accountability after the November tragedy in Novi Sad continued throughout January, met with police brutality, hate speech, and repression of students, activists, human rights defenders, and journalists. The “Three Freedoms” platform condemned the targeting of students and educators, as well as the attempted murder of a student hit by

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European Right-Wing on a Mission to Silence NGOs

The European right-wing, led by the EPP, has long campaigned to defund and silence NGOs, securing a key victory in May 2024 when the Commission introduced new guidelines to block funding for NGOs engaging in advocacy. Now, they are pushing even further, calling for a European law to regulate NGOs and restrict their influence. At

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Serbian Regime Crackdown Crossing Borders: European CSOs Alert Against Oppression!

Serbian authorities’ crackdown on civic space has now extended beyond its borders, obstructing foreign activists and CSOs from participating in public debates. On January 22, 14 EU and Western Balkans activists- participants of the Erste Foundation NGO Academy visit were detained, expelled, and labeled a “security risk” without evidence. Following mass protests in Serbia demanding

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North Macedonia: Call for Members & Deputies for Gov-CSO Cooperation Council (Deadline: 4 Feb)

The General Secretariat of the Government of North Macedonia has announced a public call for the selection of 14 members and deputy members of the Council for Cooperation between the Government and Civil Society, an advisory body dedicated to strengthening dialogue, cooperation, and civil society engagement in policymaking. The call aims to establish an independent,

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EU TACSO Third Assessment against the DG NEAR Guidelines for EU Support to Civil Society in the WBT 2021-2027 (New Deadline: 9 February)

The EU TACSO 3 project, on behalf of the European Commission, is conducting the third Assessment against the DG NEAR Guidelines for EU Support to Civil Society in the Western Balkans and Turkey 2021–2027. The survey aims to gather input from as many CSOs as possible in the region. Its findings will offer invaluable insights

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Fostering Collaboration Through Communications

Building strong communities requires open communication and shared purpose. While divisions in society often dominate the discourse, people across different backgrounds largely agree on fundamental issues like education, clean water, and quality of life. Effective communication strategies help bridge these divides by engaging diverse voices, telling compelling stories, and fostering collaboration. Rather than focusing solely

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CfP: MATRA Call for Concept Notes – Albania 2025 (Deadline: 10 February)

Target group: Officially registered NGOs in Albania with at least two years of audited accounts from an independent audit firm. Aim: To support social transformation by strengthening democracy, rule of law, institutional accountability, human rights, good governance, and stability in alignment with EU accession process. Amount: 70 000 – 150 000 EUR per project. Duration: 24 –

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CfP: Western Balkans Fund 7th Annual Call for Proposals 2025 (Deadline: 19 February)

Target group: CSOs and other eligible applicants in the Western Balkans region. Aim: To empower CSOs, particularly grassroots organizations, by fostering regional and cross-border collaboration, strengthening regional cohesion, enhancing cooperation among stakeholders from at least three WBF Contracting Parties, and promoting active participation in regional integration and development. Amount: Maximum grant size is 15 000 EUR,

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