Македонски центар за меѓународна соработка - МЦМС

The Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2020 edition of the Monitoring Matrix Regional Report on Enabling Environment for Civil Society Development, examining the civil society developments in the Western Balkan countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia). 

Marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 has been a profoundly challenging year for Western Balkan countries. Some of the common countries' trends covered in the MM Regional report are the attacks against basic human freedoms, access to funding, and lack of financial support, limited dialogue with public authorities, and lack of transparency in CSO representation in cross-sector bodies. The report also addresses the problematic anti-money laundering legislation in some countries, fiscal and tax treatment of CSOs, unstimulating employment and volunteering policies, etc. Despite the challenges, the report emphasizes that CSOs had a vital role in providing social services for various beneficiaries and protecting vulnerable groups throughout the region.

The report’s key findings and recommendations will also be presented at an online public event on 12 July 2021 (Monday) at 11 am CET. To be a part of this event, please pre-register here. 

The Monitoring Matrix deals with 3 key areas: Fundamental freedoms, CSO financial viability and sustainability, and CSO-Government Relations. It aims to enable civil society's inclusion in policy-making and effective participation at existing structures for dialogue, as a way to more transparent and quality reform policies and processes, leading to the creation of an enabling environment.

This report is part of the activities of the Protecting Civic Space – Regional Civil Society Development Hub Project, financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and implemented by the Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN) in cooperation with its member organizations from the Western Balkans.

Read more and download the report here.