Civil society space in Europe

On 19 January the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) launched its report on ‘Challenges facing civil society organisations working on human rights in the EU’.

Civil society organisations are key actors in a functioning democracy; representing the voice of millions of people who are otherwise at risk of being overlooked. We exist to educate and inform people of their rights, empower and support them in claiming their rights, and ensure accountability in case of breaches. The promotion of the rule of law is close to our heart and it is our task to build bridges between the everyday lived realities of people and the highest decision-makers.

While this sounds catchy but arguably very empty in itself, the laws are actually on our side: the United Nations Human Rights Council, for example, has made a direct link between the crucial role of civil society and the achievements of international human rights standards, and the European Union’s founding treaties and other pieces of legislation repeatedly highlight the important role of civil society for a functioning society (here and here are just two examples).

Yet, FRA’s report found it is increasingly difficult for civil society organisations to contribute to the promotion, protection and fulfillment of fundamental rights in the EU. Challenges faced vary in degree and severity between Member States but were, for the purpose of the report, clustered around the following themes:

  1. Changes in legislation that negatively impact on the work of civil society; for example, the situation in Hungary.
  2. Barriers to accessing funds for civil society to carry out their work and ensuring long-term sustainability.
  3. Restrictions on civil society’s right to participation, therefore making it increasingly difficult to gain access to decision-makers and provide input into laws and policy developments.
  4. Ensuring a secure and enabling environment for the work of civil society organisations, free of any threats and violence.

For many years Social Platform has been working closely with partners and institutions to ensure civil society’s space in European decision-making is not shrinking. More information can be found in this past blog article.