What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

The General Affairs Council of the European Union Adopts Enlargement Conclusions, Highlights Next Steps for Candidate Countries

The EU’s General Affairs Council (GAC) reaffirmed its commitment to enlargement, emphasizing the strategic importance of EU membership for the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova. Montenegro remains the most advanced candidate, with Member States ready to begin “in due time” preparations for the accession treaty of the country. The Council urged Serbia to show strong

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WeBER III Platform Policy Brief: Law on Senior Civil Service – Is the Government Hesitant to Adopt it?

The latest WeBER policy brief on the Law on Senior Civil Service emphasizes the need for a professional, impartial, and effective public administration as a cornerstone of democracy. Merit-based recruitment, especially for senior civil servants, ensures transparent selection processes, aligns decisions with ethical standards and government priorities, and strengthens institutional integrity. By prioritizing competencies over

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Albania: Government Bans TikTok for a Year Amid Concerns Over Youth Violence and Digital Rights

Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama announced a one-year TikTok ban starting in 2025, following the fatal stabbing of a teenager allegedly linked to social media disputes. Rama accused platforms like TikTok of inciting youth violence and stressed society’s collective responsibility. TikTok denied involvement, citing no evidence of accounts linked to the incident and clarifying the

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Serbia: Spyware Abuse by Authorities Triggers CSO Appeal for EU Action

A report by Amnesty International reveals that Serbian police and intelligence services are using advanced forensic tools and NoviSpy spyware to surveil activists, journalists, and civil society members. Tools from the Israeli firm Cellebrite are being employed to unlock devices and install spyware during police interrogations or confiscations, violating Serbian law and fundamental rights. Amnesty’s

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Turkey: Cracks Down on Media Over Criticism of Government Policy on Syria

Turkey has intensified its crackdown on journalists, media outlets, and civil society groups critical of its Syria policy following the recent overthrow of the Assad regime by Turkey-backed opposition forces. Authorities are targeting dissenting voices through arrests, house detentions, and investigations, often accusing them of spreading misinformation or supporting terrorism. Protests against the treatment of

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RINGO Gathering 2025: Learn, Connect, Act

On February 11–12, 2025, RINGO Gathering will explore transformative strategies and innovations shaping the future of civil society. The gathering will showcase insights from RINGO innovations, action pods, and research, alongside practical ideas for Resource Flows, Accountability and Risk, Leadership and Governance, and Solidarity and Partnerships. Sessions include key themes such as equitable leadership, reimagined

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Donors’ Role in Defending Civic Space from ‘Foreign Agent’ Laws

“Foreign agent” laws are increasingly used by governments worldwide to restrict civil society and dissent, leveraging security justifications. Funders play a crucial role in supporting civil society to counter these laws, but efforts need to be proactive and long-term. Philanthropic foundations can act swiftly, while official donors can provide large-scale, strategic funding. Collaboration among funders

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CfP: Partners Albania Resilient Balkans Fund (Deadline: 13 January 2025)

Target group: Individual activists and informal social movements from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. Aim: Strengthen and enhance existing national and regional initiatives to increase their impact and sustainability; and support the development of new initiatives addressing emerging or underrepresented issues. Amount: Individual actions: up to 5 000 USD; Social movement actions:

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