The Civil Society Promotion Center (CPCD) organized in Sarajevo  kick-off event on the 14th of May, under the title:  Monitoring matrix on enabling environment for civil society development. The event was attended by 30 participants, representatives of civil society organizations (22), government officials (4), and representatives from donors and international organizations (4). Participants were introduced to the overall BCSDN regional project as well as to the project activities which will be implemented in BiH. Special focus was put on the presentation of the basic and main characteristics of the Matrix.

In 2009, BCSDN published a policy paper critical of the IPA Civil Society Facility (CSF) design. Then, the EC failed to properly consult and reflect on the lessons-learned on supporting the role of civil society in the EU accession process and also failed to develop an approach complementary to the needs of indigenous local CSOs. Three years on, BCSDN has undertaken a comprehensive overview of the IPA CSF grant support implemented so far. The research has led to the publication of Infograph: IPA CSF 2007-2011: Evolution not Revolution as the first in a series of analytical products to be published on the topic this year. Overall, the European Commission’s (including EU Delegations’) approach and support had evolved, but not yet revolutionized in the way needed for the transformative power and democratizations role of civil society to be one of the key factors determining the EU accession process. What is needed is support in strengthening and building a sustainable base for development of civil society in Enlargement countries based on 4 principles: coherence, ownership, sustainability and cost- effectiveness.

Based on a request made by the Kosovar Civil Society Foundation (KCSF), FOL movement, and Kosovo Democratic Institute, and supported by 55 other NGOs, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kosovo has declared that provisions in the Law on Banks, Microfinance Institutions, and Non-Bank Financial Institutions which aimed at transforming microfinance NGOs into joint stock companies were unconstitutional. The law which was adopted on 12 April 2012 by the Assembly of Kosovo would consequently have transformed NGOs’ capital into private equity. Effectively funds received from donors would be transformed into the personal stock of whoever is running the NGO at the time the money enters the NGO’s accounts. Whereby before, money left over from the dissolution of a NGO had to be donated to another NGO the Law on Banks, Microfinance Institutions, and Non-Bank Financial Institutions enabled directors of NGOs to keep that money in a private capacity. Ultimately the law would’ve damaged the NGO sector by scaring off donors who would see their money go to specific causes and not the enrichment of individuals running NGOs. The law would also have promoted further corruption within this sector and went against Council of Europe recommendations. For details of the process and the decision of the Constitutional Court, please download the full text of the decision here. 

On 19 April, the Department of Associations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Turkey published the “Draft Law on Collection of Aid”. The draft law is a revision of the Law on Collection of Aid and includes changes related to the scope of the Associations Law and Civil Code. The draft Law also makes provisions for the establishment of a Council of Civil Society and a Committee of Civil Society as well as important regulations on the establishment of a General Directorate for Civil Society Organizations within the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The draft law therefore proposes comprehensive changes to the Law on Collection of Aid and it will have a significant impact on civil society in Turkey. Furthermore the newest draft has created a very small window for civil society to express their views regarding the proposed amendments with the deadline set at 17 May, 2013. In its initial opinions BCSDNs member TUSEV’s CSOs Working Group on the Draft Law on Collection of Aid has expressed concerns regarding the new draft law calling for better inclusion of civil society, better and transparent sharing of comments and opinions on the draft law with the public, and an extension of the consultation deadline. The Working Group will publish an official position paper regarding the draft law later this week.  For more information, visit TUSEV website.