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Strengthening civic space and fostering participation though open government

FRA contributed to two sessions at the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Global Summit 2025, held in Spain from 7 to 9 October 2025. At a high-level panel on participation and inclusion, FRA discussed how meaningful participation enhances government effectiveness by leading to better-quality outcomes, increased legitimacy and trust, and greater empowerment.

FRA highlighted the importance of enabling legal frameworks at national and international levels, systematic approaches to participation, equal access for all, adequate time, financial and human resources, capacity-building for both public servants and contributors, and the use of digital technologies. 

At a session on the protection of human rights defenders (HRDs), FRA outlined how the EU supports and protects defenders in its external policies, notably through the EU Guidelines on defenders and the ProtectDefenders.eu mechanism. FRA also highlighted the ongoing work of the European Commission to develop an EU civil society strategy aimed at engaging, supporting, and protecting defenders and activists within the EU. 

The OGP is a multilateral initiative bringing together nearly 80 governments worldwide—including 21 EU Member States—to promote transparency, empower citizens, combat corruption, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance.