The update of the penal code is one of the Albanian government's adjustments to EU legislation. The country has set its sights on membership in 2030. Image: Lona/Unsplash.
Of: Felicia Linsér
Day 27 a change in the law on defamation was voted on ithrough of it Albanian Parliament. journalisters opportunities for freedom of expression are strengthened to some extent, but the Albanian civil society would have liked to see more far-reaching relief and warns of loopholes that could still make it difficult for journalists and freedom of expression activists.
March 3, 2026, News
This year's FUF award winner David Isaksson in a bookstore in Ahmedaba. Image: Private.
Of: Karin Klerby
It is now clear that David Isaksson, editor-in-chief and founder of Global Bar Magazine, will receive the FUF Award 2025. The development magazine managed to exchange a few words with the winner, who is currently in the city of Ahmedabad in India.
December 23, 2025, FUF news, News
At 11:52 a.m., a 16-minute silence will be held in memory of those killed in Novi Sad. The white placard in the middle reads "Technical students against the machinery." A pun that alludes to the political machinery.
Of: Isabel Odelfelt
In November 2024, the roof of the newly renovated train station in Novi will collapse Sad, Serbia's second largest city. 16 people lose their lives. SThe anger and frustration over the country's widespread corruption should spur Serbia's students to to organize oneself. Using blockades, they are trying to force change. Development magazine's Isabel Odelfelt has met the students which has been blocked for two weeks the state media house in Belgrade.
June 4, 2025, Reportage
The emphasis on peaceful protest is reflected in signs held up by protesters in Belgrade. The blue on the left reading "Freedom or nothing" and the heart on the right "Our struggle is gentle". Image: Civil Rights Defenders
Of: Milos Stankovic
As Serbia's EU aspirations face mounting challenges, students and Brussels speak with one voice. While President Vučić courts Moscow, Serbia's youth rally for rule of law, democracy, and justice. From mass protests to relay marathons, their movement echoes EU demands — just as Brussels warns that future accession hinges on reform, not rhetoric, writes Milos Stanovic, Program Officer at Civil Rights Defenders, Belgrade Office.
June 3, 2025, Guest analysis
Journalist Yara Bader and lawyer Raghda Sheikh at the human rights organization Civil Rights Defenders' office in Stockholm. Photo: Agnes Fältman/Utvecklingsmagasinet
Of: Agnes Fältman
The Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM) has been awarded this year's Civil Rights Defender Award. Now the organization's program director Yara Bader and project coordinator Raghda Sheikh talk about their experiences and how they see the future of Syria. “I am happy that the future is coming,” says Yara Bader.
June 2, 2025, Interview
Protests in Turkey following the arrests of Istanbul's mayor and several journalists have been met with heavy-handed police action and censorship. At the same time, criticism of the government's restrictions on freedom of expression is growing. Image: Canva
Of: Mona Adam Abdi
The Turkish state continues to strengthen its influence over public discourse. After arrestn by Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and several journalists have protests broke out - Mto eat w/ mass arrests, censorship and police crackdowns. Criticism is growing against a government that uses the law to silence dissent.
April 15, 2025, Development magazine explains
This week, the journalist's continued imprisonment in Turkey, Trump's rollout of global staff tariffs, and reflections on global gender equality work have dominated the debate. Image: Collage in Canva.
Of: Meklit Teklu and Nora Sargin
Previous vThe debate in the corner has been characterized by demands to bring back the imprisoned journalist Joakim Medin and criticism of Sweden's quiet diplomacy. At the same time, USA newly introduced customs aroused strong reactions. Ballowance policy has also been on the agenda, and not least gender equality work, in the surge after the annual meeting of the UN Commission on Women.
April 8, 2025, Current debate
This week, the debate on global issues has revolved around how the EU should respond to the Trump administration's trade policy, the US's actions against Greenland, and developments in Turkey following the imprisonment of opposition leader Imamoglu. Image: collage in Canva.
Of: Meja Roberg and Olle Hoög
US Vice President JD Vance's brief visit to Greenland has once again set the stagen at the center of a geopolitical tug-of-war. At the same time, Donald Trump continues Trumps tariff policy to create concern in Europe, where experts warn of the long-term consequences of the trade war. In Turkey, the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imomoglu raised international attention, but EU leaders have so far been conspicuously silent.
April 1, 2025, Current debate
In November, the Riksdag voted through the new laws on foreign espionage – something that has met with strong criticism from both the media industry and former whistleblowers. Photo: Johannes Jansson. Source: Wikimedia commons.
Of: Vilma Ellemark
On January 1, the controversial foreign espionage laws came into force in Sweden. Critics fear that the laws make it more difficult for journalists and whistleblowers to report on wrongdoing in international collaborations. But how can espionage laws restrict the media? And why were the laws voted through despite the criticism? The development magazine explains what you need to know about the law changes.
January 13, 2023, Development magazine explains
In connection with the COP27 climate meeting, several debaters criticized Sweden's climate policy. Photo: Tim Dennell. Source: Flickr.
Of: Sandra Duru and Vilma Ellemark
The UN climate summit in Egypt has raised questions about Sweden's climate policy and responsibility internationally. Several debaters also criticize the Swedish constitutional amendment on foreign espionage, which they believe makes it more difficult to review international collaborations.
November 23, 2022, Current debate
