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FRA speaks in LIBE on the EU Civil Society Strategy

FRA spoke about the upcoming EU Civil Society Strategy at a hearing of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) on 23 September 2025.

Based on its work on civic space, FRA’s intervention focused on measures needed under the three pillars of the strategy: engage, support, and protect. 

On engagement, FRA welcomes the planned EU Civil Society Platform and suggests developing practical guidance for EU institutions on engagement. Support must include both sustainable, accessible and transparent funding, as well as supportive legal frameworks, underpinned by impact assessments. EU guidelines on the protection of human rights defenders inside the EU, and a dedicated protection mechanism should be considered. 

The hearing addressed the current challenges of civil society in the EU, as well as possible future developments and improvements in light of the forthcoming Strategy by the European Commission.