The BEARR Trust is inviting civil society organisations across Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia to take part in our 2026 survey. Through this survey, we hope to gain a better understanding of the environment in which civil society organisations are currently operating. By revisiting many of the themes explored in our 2024 …

In May BEARR Trustee Janet Gunn took part in a conference in Vilnius on Authoritarianism on the Rise, organised by the Sakharov Centre headed by BEARR patron Robert van Voren. The conference focused on the global return of authoritarian governance and its modern tools, the erosion of democratic institutions and civic freedoms, the impact of …

The trustees are delighted to report that in March 2026, Valdonė Šniukaitė took on the role of Programme Manager at BEARR, after more than two years as the Trust’s Information and Administration Officer. This marks a new stage in her involvement with the organisation and a transition to a full-time position. Valdonė shares some reflections …

Children in Ukraine are living through one of the most difficult periods imaginable. Millions have experienced displacement, shelling, sudden evacuation, and the loss of their homes and routines. With the war now in its fifth year, there are too many young children who have lost a parent or have a parent struggling with civilian/family life …