News Item

Member States discuss national civil society strategy implementation

On 12 January, FRA intervened at a meeting of the Council Working Party on Fundamental Rights, Citizens Rights and Free Movement of Persons (FREMP) in Brussels, which focused on the national implementation of the EU Strategy for Civil Society.

The European Commission outlined the elements of the Strategy that are of particular relevance for Member States and presented the Commission’s planned support for national implementation. 

FRA subsequently presented how it can support Member States in the area of civic space and in the implementation of the Strategy. The Agency also provided a preview of its forthcoming civic space report, scheduled for publication in March 2026. 

FRA’s support to Member States will include monitoring and reporting on civic space, developing an online information hub and establishing a network on civic space monitoring. It will also conduct capacity-building activities, support the development of national civil society and/or civic space strategies, and advise on the regulatory environment and on human rights-based impact assessments. 

In addition, FRA can facilitate peer exchange and mutual learning by organising exchange workshops and learning sessions, either among different Member States or within a given State.