Activists Gather for MEGAPHONE & e-Society 2026
The conference in Skopje addresses growing threats to civil society across Eurasia and the Western Balkans.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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The Metamorphosis Foundation and TechSoup hosted the MEGAPHONE & e-Society 2026 conference in Skopje to confront challenges like shrinking civic space and financial uncertainty. Approximately 100 experts and activists attended to discuss strategies for protecting democratic resilience.
Why it matters
The event provides a crucial platform for addressing regional threats such as foreign agent labels and restrictive legislation that hinder advocacy work. It aims to unify civil society groups against emerging risks, including disinformation campaigns and the impact of AI.
A regional study finalized in February 2026 synthesized insights from 83 interviews conducted across 13 countries. This data informs the current dialogue among 100 experts gathered in Skopje to address systemic pressures on local advocacy organizations.
The players
Metamorphosis Foundation
This organization is a regional center for digital and civil society development based in the Western Balkans.
TechSoup
This global nonprofit organization provides technology solutions and resources to support non-governmental organizations.
CIVICUS
This international alliance works to strengthen citizen action and civil society organizations throughout the world.
The details
Panel discussions focused on legal pressures facing activists in Serbia, who are often labeled as foreign agents, and restrictive laws limiting civic space in Georgia. Experts analyzed regional developments to create a unified strategy for navigating financial and digital instability.
Timeline
February 2026: A comprehensive regional study on civic space was finalized.
October 28, 2026: The MEGAPHONE & e-Society 2026 conference was held.
Political Context
The conference's strategic discussions align with the European Union's democratic resilience initiatives to support independent organizations. This initiative extends the current efforts of the EU, Norway, and Denmark by providing ground-level data to better inform regional support programs.
Readers engaged in advocacy or digital rights work may see shifts in operational strategies for securing funding and maintaining digital security in restrictive environments. These developments impact how international support is directed toward local organizations operating under legal pressure.
The takeaway
Civil society groups are increasingly utilizing cross-border networks to counter restrictive national legislation and disinformation. Staying informed on regional policy shifts can help activists better navigate legal risks and secure essential resources.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest trends in Civic Engagement.
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