The annual Conference on Fundamental rights and the Rule of Law, organised by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and held in Brussels on Wednesday 6 November, provided an opportunity for this tripartite body to present two reports analysing these issues, comparing the perceptions of civil society, trade unions and associations in each Member State.
One examines, for the period 2023-2024, the current national situations and the constraints faced by civil society players. The second, based on visits to the Member States from 2018 to 2024, summarises the issues observed in the EU through country visits.
Report 2023-2024. The 2024 report reflects civil society's perception of the regression of certain fundamental rights within the European Union. Associations, independent media and trade unions in several Member States are reporting restrictions on their freedoms, exacerbated by laws designed to restrict NGO funding and the misuse of legal proceedings to intimidate them.
More than 30% of the journalists questioned reported indirect censorship, notably through media concentration, which reduces the plurality of voices and reinforces self-censorship.
NGOs and rights groups in Poland, Hungary and other countries are reporting restrictions on the rights of association and demonstration. Measures are also being called for to limit SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) in order to guarantee journalists and activists a place to work without fear of abusive prosecution.
To read the report: https://aeur.eu/f/e8p
Final report of the 2018-2024 cycle, a summary of the issues observed in the Member States. Between 2018 and 2024, the Ad hoc Group on Fundamental Rights and the Rule of Law highlighted recurring challenges in the 27 Member States.
Judicial independence is particularly vulnerable, with politically influenced appointments, particularly in Bulgaria and Romania, raising concerns about the impartiality of the courts.
Trade union rights are also being weakened in countries such as France and Italy, where restrictions on the right to strike and a lack of support are reducing trade union participation.
Freedom of expression is threatened by restrictive laws that hamper the work of independent media, particularly in the Baltic States and Central Europe, where journalists are facing increasing pressure.
Finally, structural discrimination persists against LGBTQ+ communities, migrants and ethnic minorities, due to inadequate enforcement of anti-discrimination laws.
To read the report: https://aeur.eu/f/e8q
EESC recommendations. The EESC calls for stable funding for NGOs and rapid implementation of the anti-SLAPP directive adopted last spring (see EUROPE 13375/36), which proposes structural guarantees and remedies for victims of such prosecutions.
The EESC also recommends educational initiatives to raise awareness among judges, journalists and activists of the effects of SLAPPs and support of stronger protections for domestic cases.
For the EESC, all these measures must ensure that civil society can continue to play its essential role in defending rights and freedoms within the Union. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)