Report / Paper / Summary
31
March
2026
Civic Space Update: Enabling civil society to uphold EU values and strengthen democracy
Civic space is a crucial component of democracy and of societies founded on respect for fundamental rights and the rule of law. Civil society organisations across the EU face increasing pressure that limits their ability to operate. This report presents FRA opinions on how EU Member States can better protect civic space and support civil society organisations in safeguarding fundamental rights. The findings are based on data and information collected by FRANET, FRA’s multidisciplinary research network, and FRA’s consultation with CSOs participating in its Fundamental Rights Platform. It is complemented by desk research, interviews, stakeholder meetings and exchanges with intergovernmental organisations. It covers all EU Member States, as well as Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Search inside this publication
- BCSDN – Balkan Civil Society Development Network
- CSO– civil society organisation
- ECHR – European Convention on Human Rights
- ECtHR – European Court of Human Rights
- ENNHRI – European Network of National Human Rights Institutions
- ESEC – Economic, Social and Environmental Council
- EU – European Union
- FIMI – foreign information manipulation and interference
- FRA – European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights
- HRD – human rights defender
- LGBTIQ+ – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex or queer
- NGO – non-governmental organisation
- NHRI – national human rights institution
- MACS – monitoring action for civic space
- OSCE – Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
- ODIHR – Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
- OGP – Open Government Partnership
- SLAPP – strategic lawsuit against public participation
- TEU – Treaty on European Union
- UN – United Nations
