"From trauma to testimony“ - Regional dialogue on psychological support to victims of human trafficking

28 April 2026 Western Balkans (online)

"From Trauma to Testimony: The Role of Psychological Support in Human Trafficking Cases” was the main topic of the regional dialogue organised with the support of EU and Council of Europe. The online event brought together more than 60 experts and practitioners in the field of human trafficking...

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New e-learning tool to strengthen police response to racism and discrimination in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnerships regions

22 April 2026 Online

A new E-learning Course on Equality and Non-discrimination in Policing, has been launched, bringing together representatives of law enforcement agencies, equality bodies and civil society organisations from the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership regions. The course is based on the European...

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Serbian prosecutors discuss judicial reform and European standards

16 April 2026 Belgrade

Members of the Prosecutors' Association of Serbia, convened at a round table in Belgrade to discuss key developments within Serbian judiciary, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen legal culture and enhance the capacities of judicial and prosecutorial councils. The discussions centred on the...

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Strengthening communication capacities of the High Prosecutorial Council of Serbia

16–17 April 2026 Divčibare - Serbia

Members and staff of the High Prosecutorial Council Council gathered in Divcibare in the two-day workshop on “Internal and external communication and media relations”. The workshop focused on enhancing capacities for effective, transparent and co-ordinated communication, both internally and with...

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Commission for Prevention and Protection against Discrimination in North Macedonia explores new strategic approach in combating hatred and discrimination

22 April 2026 North Macedonia

The Commission for Prevention and Protection against Discrimination has taken an important step forward to advance Strategic Planning for Combating Hate Speech and Discrimination in North Macedonia, during the public meeting with the participation of around 20 members and technical staff of the...

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Freedom of expression, defamation and SLAPPs addressed with lawyers in Pristina

Key European standards and practical aspects related to freedom of expression, protection of reputation and abusive litigation (SLAPPs) were addressed during a training with lawyers in Pristina. Participants exchanged on core principles of freedom of expression, including relevant international...

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Love behind locked doors: Supporting children and families in North Macedonia’s prisons

21 April 2026 North Macedonia

The bustling atmosphere in the large visitors’ area at Idrizovo Prison is suddenly broken by the clattering of locks, followed by the mournful sound of the heavy iron door leading to the space where families come together. It is a weekend day and visiting hours have just begun. Prison security...

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Council of Europe research on media user preferences takes centre stage at Radio Days Serbia

20 April 2026 Zlatibor, Serbia

What do citizens in Serbia really expect from their media, and who do they trust? The main findings of the comprehensive study Media User Preferences in Serbia were presented through a panel at Radio Days, a conference of regional and local radio media outlets organised by the Association of...

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Interview with Prof. Dr. Ilirjan Mandro - Rector of the Security Academy in Tirana

Equality, Non-Discrimination and Diversity in Police Training in Albania

21 April 2026 Tirana / Albania

Can you briefly introduce the Security Academy, including its mandate, structure, and the number of cadets and officers trained annually? As Rector, what major reforms and priorities are you focusing on? The Security Academy is the sole higher education institution in the field of public security...

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Bihać residents and people on the move join forces for community clean-up ahead of Earth Day

19 April 2026 Bihać, Bosnia and Herzegovina

In the run-up to International Earth Day, local residents and people on the move came together in Bihać to clean shared public spaces, turning a simple environmental action into a message of solidarity and inclusion. Organised on 19 April across several locations in the city, the clean-up brought...

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Unlocking Justice: Free Legal Aid Brings Hope for Equal Access to Justice for All in North Macedonia

20 April 2026 North Macedonia

Equal access to justice is a cornerstone of a fair and inclusive society, as enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights (European Convention) guaranteeing access to legal assistance for anyone who cannot afford it. In North Macedonia, the European Union and the Council of Europe have...

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Strengthening protection of mental health for prison staff and violent extremist prisoners in Bosnia and Herzegovina

16 April 2026 Sarajevo

Early detection of potential mental health issues among violent extremist prisoners (VEPs) by non-medical prison staff is essential to ensure that prisoners receive timely and appropriate treatment by medical professionals. At the same time, protecting the well-being and mental health of prison...

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Strengthening the capacities of probation staff in Albania for managing violent extremist offenders

16 April 2026 Tirana / Albania

Effective management, rehabilitation, and reintegration of violent extremist offenders (VEOs) under a probation regime requires probation staff to possess specific specialised skills and knowledge. As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacities of probation practitioners in Albania and...

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How “Pinocchio” is helping children in North Macedonia to prevent trafficking

17 April 2026 North Macedonia

Fairy tales have always been considered powerful tools for teaching young children about life: how to recognise emotions, learn right from wrong and understand the consequences of their actions. With the support of the EU and Council of Europe action “Strengthening anti-trafficking action in...

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PRESS RELEASE

Parliamentary dialogue sets priorities for tackling racism and hate speech in Albania

15 April 2026 Tirana, Albania

Albania is advancing efforts to strengthen its response to racism and hate speech, as members of parliament, independent institutions, civil society organisations and international partners met today at the National Assembly to discuss concrete legislative and policy priorities aligned with...

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Yetkililer, kara para aklama ve terörün finansmanıyla mücadelede veri kullanımını güçlendirdi

14 nisan 2026 ANTALYA, TÜRKİYE

Türkiye’deki yetkili makamlar, özellikle soruşturma, kovuşturma ve varlık geri alımı süreçlerinin geliştirilmesine odaklı çalışmalarla, kara para aklama ve terörizmin finansmanı ile mücadelede veriyi daha etkin kullanmaya yönelik girişimleri güçlendirmiştir. Antaya’da gerçekleşen çalıştay...

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Profit or people? The battle against modern-day slavery in North Macedonia

9 April 2026

Human trafficking for labour exploitation is a serious and ever-growing global concern that affects people of all ages. At its core, it means that people are forced or deceived into working under abusive conditions, which infringe upon their human dignity. The victims are severely overworked,...

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Montenegro adopts new Code of Professional Conduct for Lawyers, strengthening accountability and public trust

7 April 2026 Podgorica

Montenegro has taken an important step forward in advancing the rule of law with the adoption of a new Code of Professional Conduct for Lawyers. The Code was developed with the support of the Council of Europe, drawing on European standards and best practices to reinforce professionalism,...

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Standing up for academic integrity in a changing digital world

7 April 2026 Podgorica

What does academic integrity mean in a time when artificial intelligence can write essays and information is only a click away? For Professor Božidar Popović of the University of Montenegro, integrity remains the foundation of trust in education, regardless of how technology evolves. As one of...

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North Macedonia continues its path towards advancing the rights of persons belonging to communities

30 March 2026 Skopje

Representatives of institutions, ethnic communities and international partners gathered in Skopje to help shape the revised Action Plan on Advancing the Rights of Persons Belonging to Communities, an important policy document supporting social cohesion and North Macedonia’s EU accession process....

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