European Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL) - Are we nurturing civil society in Europe – or merely keeping the boat afloat?

This blog by the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL) gives an overview of civic space restrictions across Europe, the drivers behind them and what the EU should do to ensure that its citizens can fully enjoy their fundamental freedoms.

An inclusive and pluralistic civil society is an essential pre-condition for democracy. However, some member states of the European Union are undermining civil society’s role and existence, a trend which has been exacerbated by the pandemic and the measures that governments take to tackle it. Meaningful participation of CSOs remains inadequate, as states pass emergency legislations, with no or very limited public consultation. In the last few years, states have proposed and passed legislations restricting fundamental rights enshrined in the EU law, such as the rights of freedom of expression, association and assembly. Moreover, CSOs and activists have become targets of physical and verbal attacks and smear campaigns. States try to limit access to resources for CSOs at both national and European level. On the bright side, there are positive examples of enabling environment for CSOs, but the EU and member states still need to take steps to ensure the protection of a thriving civil society. Support to strategic litigation is particularly crucial to set long-lasting precedents for the protection of civic space.