The Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Transformation Index (BTI), which analyzes transformation processes toward democracy and a market economy in international comparison and identifies successful strategies for peaceful change, presents its 2024 results for Eastern European countries. Despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine causing anxiety, the report presents fostered cooperation and a shift towards Western alignment. Progress in democratization, economic, and governance transformation has been observed, with some countries improving while others remain stable. However, challenges like political polarization, economic issues, and EU integration complexities persist. In the Western Balkans, EU membership prospects have fluctuated. Recent positive steps include the start of accession negotiations…
Author: anja
The Liberties Rule of Law Report 2024, fifth annual edition, examines the state of the rule of law, democracy, and fundamental rights in 19 EU countries. Produced by Liberties in collaboration with 37 organizations, it is the most comprehensive analysis of the EU Rule of Law by an NGO network. Serving as both input for the EU Commission’s audit and independent analysis for journalists and researchers, it sheds light on the EU’s democratic landscape. The report presents that media freedom and pluralism are threatened in Slovenia, Romania, and Croatia, with attacks on journalists. Insufficient legal and democratic control over political…
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama faced backlash for allegedly intimidating journalist Ambrozia Meta during a press conference in Tirana. Rama refused to answer Meta’s questions about an investment project involving Jared Kushner on the environmentally protected island of Sazan and was condemned as intimidating behavior. Despite demands for an apology, Rama defended his actions, claiming there was no aggression. Media rights organizations stood in solidarity with Meta, emphasizing the importance of press freedom and respectful engagement with journalists. This incident adds to previous clashes between Rama and journalists, highlighting concerns about press freedom in Albania, which ranked 96th out of…
The European Policy Center (EPC) discussion paper emphasizes the rise of deliberative democracy in Europe as a response to public demand for meaningful engagement. It identifies three key obstacles: fears of shifting power dynamics, a lack of innovative thinking, and diverging views on citizen participation. The paper also makes the case that the Union’s existing participatory toolbox should be expanded to include four new instruments collectively supported and jointly organized by the European Commission, Parliament, and Council. The new instruments proposed in the paper are: creating ‘big tent’ fora; citizens’ deliberations on major transformative projects; European Citizens’ Reform Panel; and…
A recent BIRN analysis reveals a concerning trend of violence and abuse targeting LGBT individuals in BiH and Serbia, particularly through popular dating apps like Grindr. Incidents such as a series of attacks in Sarajevo, where perpetrators lured victims via Grindr, highlight the risks faced by the community. Despite the prevalence of such crimes, hate or homophobia is often not recognized as a motivating factor, leading to lighter sentences. Additionally, underreporting persists due to a climate of impunity and fear of further victimization. Efforts to raise awareness among law enforcement and provide support to victims are crucial in addressing this…
In a world marked by widening disparities between nations, initiatives like Adeso’s Pledge for Change offer hope for systemic transformation. The recent Supporter’s Sprint event, part of this initiative, is a shift in how INGOs engage in humanitarian aid and development. By envisioning a future where communities are empowered to drive their own development, the Pledge for Change challenges the traditional top-down approach to aid, where diverse voices, including those directly impacted by crises, are invited to shape the discourse. The initiative aims to reform the funding model for humanitarian aid, advocating for equity and sustainability. Read more here. Source:…
The updated Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) responds to the evolving humanitarian landscape by renewing commitments to crisis-affected communities. Developed with input from over 4,000 voices across 90 countries, the revised CHS prioritizes fundamental rights and aims for greater accessibility. While maintaining its core principles, the CHS now emphasizes a more people-centered approach, empowering communities to shape aid decisions. With simplified language and structure, it seeks wider adoption across the aid system. CHS has potential to drive positive change and uphold human dignity, stressing the importance of implementing the standard to enable meaningful impact and empower those affected by crises. Read…
Sida’s announcement to terminate all multi-year agreements with Swedish NGO partners by the end of 2024 has sent shockwaves through the community. This decision heralds a significant shift in funding dynamics, opening opportunities for global organizations to compete for support starting January 2025. The move, prompted by government directives, aims to implement a new funding model, reshaping the landscape of civil society support in Sweden. Swedish NGOs, reliant on Sida for significant portions of their budgets, now face uncertainty and the challenge of adapting to this new reality. While the changes promise increased competition and potentially broader participation from non-Swedish…
The Donor Transformation Challenge aims to revolutionize the support system for grassroots changemakers by addressing institutional barriers prevalent in donor organizations. Recognizing the disconnect between donors and local leaders, the challenge advocates for dismantling colonial and transactional practices ingrained in the current support system. Over 12 months, participants focus on various topics crucial for transformation, supported by weekly reflections, facts, and resources. Emphasizing collective action, the challenge encourages individuals to initiate changes within their organizations and foster meaningful collaborations with grassroots activists. Inspired by the Strengthening 21st Century Citizen Action Programme, the challenge seeks to improve the quality of partnerships…
Target group: Young cultural practitioners and youth-oriented CSOs in the field of culture Aim: To support youth cultural activism and foster creative solutions for social and political issues in the Western Balkans. It seeks to provide opportunities for young individuals in the cultural and creative sectors, promote cultural cooperation within the region, and recognize cultural practitioners contributing to peacebuilding through Peace Champion awards. Amount: 3,000 – 6,000 EUR (depending on the LOT) Duration: 2-6 months (different LOTs) Deadline: 11 April Link to more information (Western Balkans Youth Cultural Fund)