In its report published on Tuesday 31 March, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) states that “75% of responding civil society organisations (CSOs) active in the field of fundamental rights faced barriers in conducting human rights activities”.
The study, dedicated to civic space, shows that this “essential component of a functioning democracy” is diminishing throughout the European Union. As a result, civil society organisations (CSOs) are faced with an increasing number of issues and pressures that obstruct their ability to act freely for the promotion of fundamental rights and the rule of law.
Data from FRANET (Fundamental Rights Agency Network) and a consultation of CSOs carried out in 2024 show a deterioration at both national and European level. Seventy percent of the organisations questioned said that conditions had deteriorated at EU level. Organisations working on issues such as migrants’ rights, anti-racism and LGBTIQ+ rights are all the more exposed to threats and attacks.
The strict legal environment, growing difficulties in accessing funding and physical and online attacks are among the main difficulties identified. In 2024, 67% of organisations said they had experienced verbal threats online, while one in 10 reported physical attacks. More than half also mentioned financial consequences and a reduction in their activities.
In addition, the report denounces structural difficulties in the participation of civil society in decision-making processes. And for good reason: few Member States have binding frameworks for consultation with CSOs, and procedures are often opaque or too rapid to allow effective input.
In the light of these findings, FRA calls on Member States to develop national strategies to protect civic space, to ensure respect for the freedoms of association, assembly and expression, and to take action to improve protection mechanisms for civil society actors.
The Agency is also calling for improved access to funding, avoiding overly restrictive rules, particularly on foreign funding, and supporting advocacy activities. Finally, it recommends that the participation of CSOs in the development of public policy should be more structured, through transparent, inclusive and timely consultations.
The report: https://aeur.eu/f/lfm (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)