The seminar will provide an opportunity to exchange national experiences and discuss how the EU and its Member States can better protect civic space and enable civil society to contribute safely and effectively to democratic life. The discussion comes one year after the European Commission presented its EU Strategy for Civil Society.
FRA will present its work on monitoring civic space and evidence on the pressures facing civil society organisations across the EU. The European Commission will provide an update on the implementation of the EU Strategy for Civil Society, while civil society organisations will share practical experiences and lessons learned, including on protecting human rights defenders, monitoring civic space and safeguarding freedom of assembly.
Member State delegates will discuss remaining challenges and where stronger cooperation at EU and national levels could help ensure a safe and enabling environment for civil society.