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Displaying results 1 - 10 of 31
Report / Paper / Summary
31
März
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.
Periodic updates / Series
18
Oktober
2023

Protecting civil society – Update 2023

Civil society organisations struggle to maintain an environment safe from threats and attacks. FRA’s sixth annual update on civic space explores the challenges for organisations across the EU. While there has been significant development since FRA began monitoring the situation in 2018, civil society organisations remain under immense pressure. Abusive lawsuits and attacks against those involved in migrant search and rescue at sea are just some of the challenges identified. This report presents ways forward to protect civil society and human rights.
Report / Paper / Summary
11
Juli
2023

Protecting human rights defenders at risk: EU entry, stay and support

Across the world, human rights defenders protect and uphold human rights in some of the most challenging situations. In some countries they face worrying levels of threats and attacks, intimidation and harassment. This report outlines how human rights defenders can enter and stay in the EU when they need protection. It suggests how EU institutions and Member States could use the flexibility in existing legal provisions and provide shelter for defenders who seek protection.
Report / Paper / Summary
19
August
2022

Schutz des zivilgesellschaftlichen Raums in der EU - Wichtigste Ergebnisse und FRA-Stellungnahmen

Die zivilgesellschaftlichen Organisationen stehen in der gesamten Europäischen Union vor unterschiedlichen Herausforderungen. Der im September 2021 veröffentlichte Bericht der FRA über den Schutz des zivilgesellschaftlichen Raums in der EU enthält die Ergebnisse der Agentur zu diesen Herausforderungen. Die vorliegende Zusammenfassung stellt die wichtigsten Ergebnisse und FRA-Stellungnahmen aus dem Bericht vor.
Report / Paper / Summary
19
Juli
2022

Europe's civil society: still under pressure - 2022 update

Civil society is a key component of Europe’s fundamental rights architecture. From supporting people affected by the pandemic to helping those fleeing the war in Ukraine, civil society plays a crucial role in upholding people’s rights. In so doing, it contributes to a healthy rule of law culture. FRA’s civic space report provides an overview of the many ways in which civil society contributes to the checks and balances that underpin the rule of law.
Report / Paper / Summary
22
September
2021

Protecting civic space in the EU

Civil society organisations play a vital role in promoting fundamental rights, but they face diverse challenges across the European Union. This report presents FRA’s findings on a range of such challenges. The findings are based on research, and on two online consultations with civil society organisations, carried out in 2020.
Periodic updates / Series
29
September
2020

Coronavirus pandemic in the EU – impact on Roma and Travellers - Bulletin 5

Often living in substandard and overcrowded housing conditions, Roma and Travellers face an increased risk of contracting COVID-19. They are also disproportionately affected by measures taken to contain the virus. This FRA Bulletin takes a closer look at this reality in 15 EU Member States, focusing on education; employment; poverty; healthcare; housing; and anti-Gypsyism. It also outlines civil society efforts to tackle the diverse challenges triggered by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Report / Paper / Summary
28
Juli
2020

Civic space – experiences of organisations in 2019

This paper presents key findings from FRA’s second consultation of its Fundamental Rights Platform, focusing on the experiences of civil society organisations (CSOs) working on human rights. FRA started an annual consultation with organisations participating in its platform in 2018.
Report / Paper / Summary
19
Juni
2020

June 2020 update - NGO ships involved in search and rescue in the Mediterranean and legal proceedings against them

In 2019, the International Organization for Migration estimated that 1,866 people have died or gone missing while crossing the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe to escape war or persecution or to pursue a better life. This is an average of five people per day. In recent years, a significant proportion of migrants in distress at sea have been rescued by civil society vessels deployed with a humanitarian mandate to reduce fatalities and bring rescued migrants to safety. Since 2018, however, authorities in some EU Member States started viewing civil society-deployed rescue vessels with hostility. As a reaction, national authorities initiated about 40 administrative and criminal proceedings against crew members or vessels, including seizing the latter. In some cases, rescue vessels were blocked in harbours due to flag issues or the inability to meet technical requirements.
Report / Paper / Summary
12
November
2019

The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights on its 10th anniversary: views of civil society and national human rights institutions

The Charter is most effective, and has a real impact on people’s lives, when parliaments, governments and courts at local, regional and national levels all actively apply it. The national sphere is particularly relevant. A strong fundamental rights architecture and committed national governments and parliaments are key to letting the Charter unfold its potential at this level. Civil society organisations (CSOs) and national human rights institutions (NHRIs) are also crucial given their contributions to the protection and promotion of Charter rights.