Taking Stock after the Global Financial Crisis
The network meeting in Becici, Montenegro from May 31 to June 3, 2010 was an opportunity for the staff from across the region to get together to discuss current activities and take part in strategic planning.
A debate entitled “How to facilitate the sustainability of civil society organisations in the Balkans” was also held.
It focused on the viability of civil society in the Balkans in the bleak economic situation following the global financial crisis, characterised by a shortage of individual philanthropy, a problematic mixture of corrupt business and political factions, and a shrinking donor base.
The meeting was also devoted to an internal discussion among BIRN staff and the governing bodies on strategic planning and operations.
Workshops tackled issues of editorial policy and editorial processes, a new website launch, training strategies, branding issues; how to improve information flow within the network, as well as the adjustment and improvement of network regulations rules, human resources and other administrative and operational issues.
The meeting hosted partners and donors from the NED, BTD, USAID, IREX, RBF, Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representatives of embassies in the region.