What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

Report: Weaponizing Influence: How Russia’s and China’s Soft Power Clashes Serbia’s Civil Society using Lithium Controversies

In response to recent events in Serbia, including the arrests and detentions of environmental activists and a coordinated campaign against CSOs by government representatives and allied media, Civic Initiatives has released a detailed analysis. This analysis explores the repressive mechanisms increasingly employed in Serbia and highlights how protests against lithium mining represent broader demands for

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Albania: Police Threaten Journalists with Criminal Charges Over Critical Reporting

On 14 August, the Police Director General verbally attacked journalists during a press conference over critical reporting of an assault in Pogradec that led to a citizen’s death. Media reports had highlighted family’s concerns about delays in emergency services and police response, accusing the investigation of being incomplete. The Police Director General dismissed these concerns

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Bulgaria: Rallies After President Backs Anti-LGBTQ+ Law Change

On 16 August, rival protests occurred in Sofia after Bulgarian President Radev endorsed a legislative amendment banning LGBTQ+ “propaganda” and “gender ideology” in schools, backed by the far-right pro-Moscow Revival party. Despite appeals from over 6,000 people and 70 organizations to veto the law, President Radev signed it, intensifying Bulgaria’s political divide. Approximately 2,000 people

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North Macedonia: Most Municipal CSO Funds Allocated to Sports Associations

An MCIC analysis reveals that Macedonian municipalities allocated 290.6 million MKD (about 4.7 million EUR) to CSOs, with a significant portion directed toward sports associations. The Southeastern region of the country led with 42 million MKD, primarily supporting sports and cultural activities, followed by the Eastern, Northeastern, and Vardar regions. Despite its larger population, the

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Turkey: Rising Demands to End Journalist Harassment After Reporter’s Sentence Upheld

International and Turkish media and rights organizations have called on Turkey to cease its harassment of journalists following a court’s decision to uphold a 20-month prison sentence for journalist Bulent Mumay. The joint letter condemned the verdict as a severe attack on press freedom, emphasizing that the charges against Mumay, which include “illegally obtaining or

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Guidebook for CSOs Networking at the Local Level (North Macedonia)

This guidebook provides practical advice on forming and managing local civil society networks in North Macedonia. It covers topics like defining a shared vision, establishing membership criteria, setting up governance structures, and securing legal status. The guide highlights how these networks unite individuals and organizations to address social challenges and participate in decision-making processes. Key

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Nine Impactful Crowdfunding Campaigns in Kosovo (2019-2023)

Crowdfunding has revolutionized how communities can support important causes, offering a platform for collective action and meaningful change. By combining resources from various donors, crowdfunding has the potential to provide vital funding for nonprofits and social initiatives, turning visions into reality. In Kosovo, crowdfunding has been instrumental in advancing education, healthcare, and other critical areas.

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World Giving Index 2024: Global Trends in Generosity

The 14th edition of the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) World Giving Index highlights global generosity, showing that despite ongoing economic and humanitarian challenges, people worldwide remain committed to helping those in need. Based on surveys of over 145,000 people in 140+ countries, the index reveals that volunteering, donations, and assistance to strangers have increased, with

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CfP: MCIC Call for Grants for Civic Engagement in the Fight Against Corruption in North Macedonia (Deadline: 4 September)

Target group: All registered CSOs and CSOs networks, as well as informal networks in North Macedonia. Aim: To increase transparency, accountability, and a culture of integrity through greater citizen involvement in the fight against corruption. Amount: min 2.240.000 MKD (40.000 USD), to 3.360.000 MKD (60.000 USD). Duration: 18-24 months. Deadline: 4 September. Link to more

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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: This BIRN 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

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