News and updates from BCSDN and the region
EU is committed to promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, both within its member states and in candidate countries. These values are central to the EU’s enlargement policy, which prioritizes rule of law reforms, which features a “fundamentals first” approach. Recently, the EU has opened some of its key rule of law
Read more →Albania is set to open its first negotiating cluster with the EU on 15 October, marking a key step in its accession process. Meanwhile, North Macedonia is not expected to advance, even though it began its accession talks at the same time as Albania in 2022, facing delays due to Bulgaria’s likely veto over unresolved
Read more →In an open letter to key EU leaders, 415 CSOs from 26 Member States and 4 candidate countries urged prioritization of a vibrant civic space in the upcoming five years. They emphasize civil society’s vital role in democracy, human rights, and accountability but note a decline in civic freedoms, the rule of law, and democracy
Read more →The document addresses key questions regarding the European Cross-Border Associations (ECBA) Directive proposed by the European Commission and the following European Parliament resolution. It aims to clarify the Directive’s implications for civil society actors and outlines its potential to enhance cross-border cooperation among non-profit associations. The document was prepared by the informal coalition on the
Read more →A year after filing a criminal complaint regarding the misuse of millions of euros from public tenders by the Ministry of Family Care and Demography in Serbia, BCSDN member Civic Initiatives and members of the OKO Coalition demand updates from the Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime. The complaint, filed in September 2023, accuses former Minister
Read more →From September 18-20, the third regional conference, “Stronger Together: Journalists and the Judiciary Protect Media Freedoms,” was held in Mavrovo, North Macedonia, organized by the Association of Journalists in North Macedonia, Free Press Unlimited, and the Netherlands Helsinki Committee. Over 90 journalists, judges, and prosecutors gathered to address challenges to media freedom in the Western
Read more →United Media (UM) has alerted the international community to escalating attacks on independent media in Serbia. In a letter to European officials, organizations protecting press freedom, and diplomats, UM highlighted the targeting of the outlets—N1, Nova, Danas, and Radar—by government officials, pro-regime media, and political figures. The attacks intensified following UM’s coverage of lithium mining
Read more →In September, Albania became the 36th member of the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats (Hybrid CoE), aiming to enhance its ability to address hybrid threats like cyberattacks and disinformation. The Albanian Parliament ratified the membership with overwhelming support, designating the National Authority for Cyber Security as the national representative. SCiDEV welcomes Albania’s
Read more →The international media freedom mission to Croatia has underscored significant challenges regarding media law reform, transparency in state advertising, and journalist safety, including the threats posed by Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). Conducted between September 9 and 20, the mission involved meetings with various governmental and media organizations. Critics have expressed concerns over the
Read more →The #ShiftThePower Fellowship initiated by the Global Fund for Community Foundations (GFCF) aims to explore issues of power and build networks among change-makers. Launched to foster relationships and deepen the #ShiftThePower movement, the fellowship emphasizes community philanthropy and participatory practices. The first two cohorts engaged in discussions and reflections on vital topics, including capacity building
Read more →The OECD synthesis report highlights the growing commitment of providers to support locally-led development, where local actors play a key role in framing, designing, delivering, learning, and ensuring accountability. The report offers a comprehensive overview of these efforts, examining how provider systems—through policies, financing mechanisms, partnerships, and management processes—can either enhance or limit local agencies.
Read more →In September, the OECD Network of Foundations Working for Development (OECD netFWD) and WINGS issued a statement emphasizing the vital role of private philanthropy in the United Nations’ Summit of the Future. They highlighted that private philanthropic funding for development reached 42 billion USD from 2016 to 2019, crucially supporting efforts to alleviate poverty and
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