Insights from BCSDN event on Weaponizing Accountability: How can CSOs Effectively Counter Foreign Agents Laws and Narratives with dynamic accountability?
On November 6th and 8th, the Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN) hosted the virtual event: “Weaponizing Accountability: Countering Foreign Agents’ Laws and Narratives.” With over 50 participants, this two-day virtual event addressed the intensifying impact of foreign agents’ laws on CSOs in Europe and beyond. Experts and advocates from Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Turkey, and the Western Balkans shared strategies and practical responses to restrictive legislation that stigmatizes CSOs as “foreign-influenced threats.
Examining the Challenges and Tactics of Restrictive Legislation
On Day 1, BCSDN Executive Director Biljana Spasovska opened the event by emphasizing the urgency of addressing foreign agents’ laws, which governments increasingly use to stigmatize civil society under the pretense of transparency. Spasovska underscored the importance of solidarity and collective advocacy in countering these growing threats across Europe and beyond. The introductory session continued with CIVICUS’s Mandeep Tiwana, who outlined the global trend of foreign agents’ laws, which are increasingly used as tools to silence civil society voices and weaken public trust in CSOs. This pattern, he explained, is not isolated but a growing trend globally, often cloaked in the language of transparency to avoid backlash. The event continued with the EU and Western Balkans Reflections from the Western Balkans & Turkey on countering restrictive legislation.
Marta Pardavi of the Hungarian Helsinki Committee provided insights from Hungary, describing how the government has used foreign agents’ legislation to limit the activities of CSOs, branding them as “foreign agents” in order to tarnish their credibility. Despite the challenging environment, she noted the importance of building public support and solidarity across civil society. Peter Čuroš highlighted Slovakia’s swift move from a stable democracy to restrictive foreign agent laws that mirror Russia and Hungary’s, requiring strict disclosures from NGOs receiving foreign funds and framing those critical of the government as “bad NGOs.” Zahari Iankov from BCNL shared Bulgaria’s response to repeated foreign agent law attempts, which have bred public distrust in civil society. Bulgaria’s approach has included coalition-building with business groups and emphasizing the importance of public communication and value-based messaging to counteract divisive narratives.
Reflecting on this threat in the region, Rana Kotan from TUSEV (Turkey) described recent legislative moves that could criminalize CSO work under vague espionage terms. In response, Turkish CSOs have launched public campaigns, partnered with business associations, and engaged key public figures to present a unified defense of civic space. Alma Mustajbašić from Civic Initiatives (Serbia) highlighted aggressive government tactics against environmental activists and CSOs critical of the Rio Tinto mining project, including criminal charges, surveillance, and public exposure of financial records. From Restart Srpska (Republika Srpska BiH), Stefan Blagić shared how CSOs have built alliances with opposition figures, public personalities, and religious leaders to resist restrictive legislation. He noted that protests, when organized after building strong support, allow CSOs to showcase unity and resilience.
A key lesson from Day 1 emphasized the importance of early recognition of civic space restrictions, proactive value-based communication to highlight the public benefit of CSO work, and a concerted effort to challenge the narrative that foreign agents’ laws are standard and acceptable in democratic societies.
Strengthening Civil Society Resilience Through Dynamic Accountability
BCSDN’s Coomunication Coordinator, Marija Vishinova Shemova, and BCSDN ED Biljana Spasovska opened the session by underlining the event’s goal: not only to identify challenges but also to spotlight innovative solutions that allow CSOs to maintain credibility and impact under pressure from restrictive legislation and foreign agents’ narratives.
The day began with a deep dive into grassroots mobilization, where speakers shared impactful examples from Serbia. Iva Markovic from Polekol (Serbia) described how community-led initiatives, like the Right to Water campaign, have built public trust by addressing local concerns. Likewise, Jelena Brkić from Sviće (Serbia) illustrated how a commitment to consistency and transparency has helped her organization earn the trust of their community in challenging times, reinforcing the value of building solidarity from the ground up. Communication strategies took center stage as experts highlighted the importance of clear, proactive messaging. Speakers such as Darjan Radenkovikj from Zar Ptica (N. Macedonia) underscored the role of social media in shaping public opinion and warned of the dangers posed by misinformation and smear campaigns. Vesna Radojević from KRIK (Serbia) shared the importance of establishing credibility with audiences through transparent, fact-based communication—especially when pro-regime media are actively working to undermine CSOs’ reputations.
The conversation also covered internal accountability, with Aleksandra Savevska from MCIC (N. Macedonia) stressing that self-regulation enhances public trust and shows stakeholders that CSOs are committed to high standards of transparency. Aida Daguda from CPCD (BiH) also addressed the challenges CSOs face in maintaining accountability amidst restrictive “foreign agents” laws and narratives. She emphasized the importance of dynamic accountability approaches involving continuous engagement with stakeholders, adaptability to changing environments, and proactive communication strategies.
Finally, the session highlighted technology’s dual role in supporting transparency and accountability, even as it can sometimes serve as a tool of repression. While Andrej Petrovski from the Share Foundation (Serbia) warned of the dangers of technology misuse, Zorica Velkovska from Blink 42-21 (N. Macedonia) demonstrated how AI-powered tools can proactively identify corruption risks in public procurement, showing how digital innovation can help CSOs foster transparency and trust.
As the event drew to a close, Klotilda Kosta, Director of Programs of Partners Albania and Board member od of BCSDN, emphasized a shared commitment to moving forward together, equipped with new strategies and renewed resilience. The discussions illuminated how civil society can turn restrictive laws into opportunities for solidarity and innovation, reinforcing their role as defenders of accountability and democracy. By harnessing dynamic accountability—built on grassroots support, proactive communication, and ethical use of technology—CSOs are not only resisting harmful narratives but also strengthening the foundation of civic space across Europe and beyond.
The takeaways are clear: solidarity within civil society, consistent public engagement, and adaptive strategies are essential to withstand external pressures. Kosta’s final words urged participants to carry these insights into their daily work, fostering a strong, united front in the face of restrictive legislation. Together, civil society organizations are poised not just to protect but to expand their impact, shaping a future where civic space thrives despite the odds.