The Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN) highlights the critical role of volunteering as a powerful response to the shrinking civic space across the Western Balkans, following a keynote address by Simona Mladenovska at the recent Regional EU Conference, “Bridges of Experience: Strengthening Senior Volunteering for Sustainable Development across the Balkans.” Mladenovska, speaking on the panel about international cooperation and the legacy of the upcoming International Volunteering Year (IVY) 2026, outlined a strong vision for institutionalizing volunteering as an essential democratic practice.
Mladenovska emphasized that while civic space—encompassing freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly—is the core of democratic life, these freedoms are being steadily eroded in the Balkans. This erosion is caused by restrictive laws, political interference, harassment, and the strategic use of the legal system to silence critics. Civil society organizations face constraints and a declining ability to hold governments accountable, leading to isolated communities whose voices are muted and to weakened democratic norms.
Volunteering: A Beacon of Resilience
In this challenging environment, volunteering is identified as a beacon of resilience and hope. At its core, volunteering is about people committing to uplift their communities, advocating for change, and holding power to account, creating networks of trust essential for democratic endurance.
Volunteers actively strengthen civic space by:
- Activating Local Agency: Empowering citizens to reclaim ownership and fill critical gaps often neglected by governments.
- Building Cross-Border Solidarity: Fostering regional collaboration and resisting nationalistic and divisive political agendas.
- Creating Safe Platforms for Dialogue: Facilitating inclusive grassroots spaces where dialogue can happen freely, amplifying underrepresented voices.
- Championing Transparency: Leading watchdog initiatives and advocacy campaigns that expose abuses and corruption, making those in power answerable to the people.
Seizing the Opportunity of IVY 2026
The year 2026, declared the International Volunteering Year (IVY), presents a landmark opportunity to expand and institutionalize volunteering’s role as a defender of civic space.
Mladenovska stressed that IVY 2026 must be used to:
- Mobilize resources to sustain volunteer initiatives protecting civic space.
- Encourage governments to create enabling environments for civil society and volunteering.
- Promote volunteer engagement as a formal pillar in democratic development strategies.
The desired legacy is a Balkan region where volunteering is celebrated as a critical democratic practice—essential for safeguarding freedoms and strengthening the social fabric. Mladenovska concluded that protecting civic space is an urgent necessity, and volunteering embodies the resilience, creativity, and courage needed to sustain this protection.
BCSDN remains committed to supporting volunteers and building thriving democratic spaces where all citizens can freely participate and flourish.