What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

Liberties and Human Rights Organizations: ​Unlocking the Full Potential of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights

Liberties, and other human rights organizations, call for a stronger use of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights to enhance rights protection in the EU. Despite the Charter’s comprehensive framework, its effectiveness is hindered by a lack of transparency and underutilization of available tools. This, coupled with the European Commission’s slow and cautious approach, threatens

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Von der Leyen’s Commitment to Appoint a Dedicated Commissioner for Enlargement

The selection of the next European Commissioner for Enlargement is critical amid ongoing European crises. The role requires a commitment to EU democratic values, strong support for enlargement, consensus-building skills, and stakeholder trust. Ursula von der Leyen has pledged to appoint a dedicated Commissioner for this portfolio in her next term, emphasizing that enlargement, particularly

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Carnegie Europe: An Obituary for EU Foreign Policy

The article reflects on the decline of EU foreign policy over the years, pointing out various key moments that contributed to its weakening. It suggests that EU foreign policy has struggled to maintain unity and effectiveness, particularly after events like the Eurozone crisis, Brexit, and conflicts on its borders. The EU’s failure to address energy

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Serbia: Civil Society Council Members Urge Prime Minister to Support CSOs Amid Media Attacks

An open letter from members of Serbia’s Council for Creating an Enabling Environment for Civil Society, including BCSDN member Civic Initiatives, urges Prime Minister Miloš Vučević to address recent media attacks on CSOs. The letter condemns misinformation regarding CSO funding and activities, which threatens democracy and Serbia’s EU accession process. It calls on the Prime

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BiH: Joint Submission by Civil Society Initiative for the 4th Universal Periodic Review on Human Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Joint Submission of the BiH Civil Society Initiative, a coalition of 14 organizations working in various human rights fields, for the 4th Universal Periodic Review highlights ongoing human rights challenges in BiH from 2019 to 2024. Key issues include the operationalization of the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM), persistent gender inequality, and the discriminatory nature

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CHS Alliance is Building a Safer and More Accountable Aid System

The CHS Alliance is committed to creating a safer and more accountable aid system by addressing power imbalances that can lead to sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH). Key initiatives include the PSEAH Index, which helps organizations assess their policies and practices for protecting vulnerable people, and the Harmonized Reporting Scheme, which improves transparency and

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CfP: BIRN Reporting Digital Rights and Freedoms – Sub-Grants 2024 (Deadline: 19 September)

Target group: Media and CSOs from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Aim: The grant aims to help and engage media and CSOs with financial support, mentoring and continuous technical assistance so they can navigate, explore and deliver complex internet and human rights-related issues and (policy) developments to the public at large. Amount:

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CfP: Empower Women in Albania to Engage and Contribute to Public Life in their Communities (Deadline: 20 September)

Target group: CSOs in Albania. Aim: To promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in Albania by addressing critical barriers that hinder women and girls from fully participating in public and economic life. Amount: 8 500 000 Albanian Lek (ALL) (approximately 85 469 EUR) Duration: 8 months (October 2024 – May 2025) Deadline: 20 September Link to

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