What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

Call to Civil Society in BiH to Participate in Consultations on Proposed Actions of the Multi-Country IPA Program 2025-2027 (Deadline: 27 January)

The Directorate for European Integration/Office of the National IPA Coordinator (DIPAK) in Bosnia and Herzegovina invites civil society, along with the academic community, experts, and social partners, to participate in consultations on the draft proposals for actions under the Multi-Country IPA Program 2025-2027. The Commission has provided nine draft proposals across four thematic areas: Window

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EFCSN Criticizes Meta’s Decision to End Fact-Checking Program and Condemns Censorship Claims

The European Fact-Checking Standards Network (EFCSN) expressed disappointment over Meta’s decision to end its Third-Party Fact-Checking Program in the U.S., condemning CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s claims linking fact-checking to censorship. EFCSN argues that fact-checking adds valuable context to public discourse and counters misinformation, emphasizing that it is not censorship. The network criticizes Zuckerberg’s statement about political

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Serbia: Students Protest Over Novi Sad Tragedy Continue, Gaining Broad Public Support

The protests following the November 2024 Novi Sad tragedy after the fall of the rail station canopy, which took 15 lives continues with greater intensity. On January 10, students in Belgrade blocked a major interchange and part of the Belgrade-Zagreb highway demanding accountability for the tragedy, and authorities’ corruption activities. The students, supported by professors,

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Turkey: The Opposition Condemns Detention of Istanbul District Mayor

Turkish opposition leaders condemned the detention of Riza Akpolat, the opposition mayor of Istanbul’s Besiktas district, along with 46 others on corruption charges. The allegations include bribery, bid-rigging, and involvement in a criminal organization. The detentions have sparked criticism, labeling them as incompatible with democratic principles. The opposition accuses the government of manipulating public opinion

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Romania: Media Capture Monitoring Report – Measuring compliance with the European Media Freedom Act

The International Press Institute (IPI) and the Media and Journalism Research Center (MJRC) report assesses media capture in Romania. The analysis highlights the political influence over Romania’s media regulators, including the National Audiovisual Council (CNA), and the challenges facing public service broadcasters like the Romanian Television Company (TVR) and the Romanian Radio Broadcasting Company (SRR).

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North Macedonia: Questionnaire for Measuring the Value of Indicators from the Action Plan of the Government’s Strategy for Cooperation with and Development of Civil Society (2022–2024) in 2024 (Deadline: 25 January)

The Government of North Macedonia invites CSOs registered under the Law on Associations and Foundations to complete a questionnaire assessing the implementation of the Action plan of the Government’s Strategy for Cooperation with and Development of Civil Society (2022-2024) for 2024. The questionnaire gathers data on organizational activities, sectors of work, cooperation with the Government,

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Testing the Limits of Tech: Building Measures for Accountability in the Balkans

In December 2024, Hackcorruption, a global initiative by Accountability Lab, brought together diverse participants from the Balkans, including a deputy mayor and an engineering student, journalists, academics, public servants, technologists, lawyers, and more to develop tech tools aimed at combating corruption. Held in Albania, the event explored how technology can address accountability gaps and support

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CfP: KCSF Call for Organizational Development Grants (Deadline: 31 January)

Target group: Domestic NGOs registered in Kosovo Aim: To support NGOs in Kosovo in developing new or existing programs, methodologies, or work approaches, as well as capacity-building initiatives. The grants can be used for resource diversification, implementing innovative solutions for sustainable income, developing internal tools and systems, and creating strategic or organizational documents. Amount: Up to

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CfP: KCSF Call for Applications for Partnership Grants (Deadline: 2 February)

Target group: Partnerships between at least one NGO registered in Kosovo and one company from the private sector (business, media). Partnerships with the diaspora private sector are preferred. Aim: Under the USAID-funded Citizen Engagement Activity in Kosovo, the call aims to support joint initiatives that address community concerns, promote cross-sectoral cooperation, and increase social trust, fostering a

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