Latest from Civic Space Watch
Explore civic space across Europe
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Poland
Germany
Greece
Netherlands
Latest - Netherlands
- THE NETHERLANDS: Several new law proposals targeting protesters, stigmatising CSOs and criminalising migrants’ right work
- THE NETHERLANDS: Legislative proposals risk stigmatising CSOs, expanding censorship and granting more powers to authorities
- Repression of Palestine solidarity in Europe widespread, according to new briefing
Belgium
France
Latest - France
Ireland
Spain
Portugal
Denmark
Slovakia
Czech Republic
Latest - Czech Republic
- CZECH REPUBLIC: Government reorganisation undermines democratic governance and public participation, say CSOs
- CZECH REPUBLIC: Civic space under pressure from funding cuts and policy shifts by the new right-wing government
- CZECH REPUBLIC: Draft “foreign agents” law shelved, but pressure on civil society remains
Hungary
Austria
Lithuania
Latvia
Estonia
Finland
Sweden
Romania
Bulgaria
North Macedonia
Latest - North Macedonia
Serbia
Kosovo
Albania
Montenegro
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Croatia
Slovenia
Latest - Slovenia
Italy
Cyprus
Latest - Cyprus
Malta
United Kingdom
European Union
What is civic space?
Civic space is the physical or digital environment that allows people to come together, express their opinions, and take action on issues that matter to them.
It includes freedoms like speaking out, protesting, joining or creating groups and organisations, and accessing information.
When civic space is open, people can hold governments and powerful institutions to account, demand the respect of fundamental rights, and work for positive change in society. When it is restricted, people face censorship, threats, or even violence for speaking up.
Open, healthy civic space is essential for democracy, justice, and a fair society where everyone’s voice counts.
How our Early Warning and Alerts System works
INFORMATION GATHERING
ECF gathers information about emerging civic space developments from reputable civil society partners on the ground.
ANALYSIS
ECF reviews the alert and identifies regional trends.
ALERTING
Depending on the sensitivity of information, alerts are published on Civic Space Watch and shared with policymakers and institutions, via real-time alerts or regular round-up, as relevant.
FOLLOW-UP
ECF and partner organisations track the progression of cases, take further advocacy actions if necessary and stand in solidarity with those under pressure.