News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Our member organization from Serbia, Civic Initiatives, is launching the first SLAPP competition for the Western Balkans, starting with a social media campaign and concluding with an award ceremony in Belgrade on November 28. BCSDN contributes through participation in the Jury and as a panel speaker. The competition aims to highlight the chilling effects of
Read more →During her European Parliament hearing, Commissioner-designate for Enlargement Marta Kos outlined her plans for EU enlargement. She emphasized that despite new geopolitical pressures, the process will remain merit-based. Kos stressed the importance of political commitment, especially in areas like justice reform and anti-corruption, while warning against stagnation or backsliding. She also highlighted the EU’s role
Read more →At the Berlin Process Summit in October, the Civil Society and Think Tank Forum (CSF) presented policy recommendations to leaders from the Western Balkans, EU, and UK. Developed by over 115 civil society organizations across seven thematic groups, these recommendations focused on pressing issues: EU integration, reconciliation, gender diversity, energy, climate change, environmental protection, and
Read more →Thousands of protesters marched in Belgrade on November 11, demanding accountability for the deadly collapse of the Novi Sad train station’s roof, which killed 14 people on November 1. Throughout the series of protests, there have been massive arrests of demonstrators, with an ever-growing number of detained as they continue to demand justice and accountability
Read more →During a recent mission to Belgrade, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) noted that press freedom in Serbia remains under attack. Following the massive protests in Belgrade and Novi Sad, triggered by the tragedy that occurred on 1 November at the entrance of the Novi Sad Railway station in which 14 people lost their lifes, the RSF
Read more →At the 10th Media Development Forum that took place on 23 October, in Tirana, the EU Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, announced support for a structured dialogue on media freedom and journalist safety in Albania. This initiative, facilitated by the University of Tirana’s Journalism Department, aims to foster collaboration among state authorities and media stakeholders.
Read more →In 2023, Albania saw an increase in Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), a trend that poses significant risks to media freedom and the safety of journalists. SLAPPs are used by powerful entities to silence independent voices by intimidating critics with costly and burdensome lawsuits, often aimed at discouraging public participation in matters of public
Read more →Verica Marinčić, a journalist from Inđija, Serbia, faces severe harassment, including seven lawsuits targeting the survival of her independent media outlet, IN Media. Her reporting, especially on the municipality’s distribution of “potency honey” to schoolchildren, has led to ongoing intimidation and a court ruling against her, demanding substantial damages for alleged harm to minors. This
Read more →During the first part of a two-part series of blogs about accountability in the non-profit sector and its localization with a focus of helping funders gain a better understanding, Jean Scrimgeour explores the critical role of accountability in the nonprofit sector and its connection to the localization agenda. As funders advocate for more official development
Read more →EU TACSO 3 has released an updated VAT Exemption Guide for CSOs in the Western Balkans and Türkiye that receive EU grant funding. The guide explains the procedures for obtaining VAT exemption and refunds on goods and services purchased with EU funds, including registration requirements and eligibility criteria. It clarifies the VAT exemption process for
Read more →Target group: CSOs from the Global South countries, particularly those with restricted civic space. Organizations advancing inclusive democracy and representing historically excluded groups, such as rural communities, indigenous peoples, women, youth, and the LGBT+ community. Aim: To strengthen the organizing, advocacy, and campaign capacities of CSOs through digital solutions. To support pilot projects that increase
Read more →Target group: CSOs in the Western Balkans Six (WB6): Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Aim: To support peacebuilding, reconciliation, youth empowerment, and societal engagement in the Western Balkans. Also, to promote regional cooperation, intercultural learning, dialogue, and mutual understanding among youth in the region. Amount: Total funding of 300 000 EUR.
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