Civil society plays a crucial role in the EU. CSOs and human rights defenders promote and help implement fundamental rights and thus contribute to the functioning of democracy and the rule of law.
However, evidence shows that throughout 2022, CSOs continued to face a range of challenges in their work. Challenges to ‘civil society space’ included concerns with the relevant regulatory framework, access to resources, participation in policy and decision-making and a safe environment. The nature and depth of challenges that CSOs and human rights defenders face vary across the EU.
Civil society actors need to be able to operate without unnecessary or arbitrary restrictions. Member States and EU institutions should take measures to create a more enabling environment for CSOs. A conducive legal environment for civil society requires laws that protect and promote the rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly and expression in conformity with EU and international human rights law and standards. Member States should also ensure that crimes committed against CSOs and human rights defenders are publicly condemned, properly recorded, investigated and prosecuted. Public authorities at EU, national and local levels should further develop tools for more meaningful participation in policymaking.
Several international and EU guidelines exist to support an enabling space for (human rights) civil society to operate. All actors involved can take inspiration from these guidelines to enhance the implementation of human rights across the EU.