European CSOs publish seven new country reports on civic space trends across the EU

Today, we are launching seven new country reports that provide fresh, country-level insights into the environment for civil society across the EU in 2025. Each report highlights key national trends and points to the actions needed to better protect civic freedoms in Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland and Romania.

The reports are part of the Monitoring Action for Civic Space (MACS) project and are powered by a new monitoring methodology. Our civil society-led approach delivers nuanced findings about the countries, and highlights issues where the EU has the legal authority to act. The reports will form part of the European Civic Forum’s broader Civic Space Report, which will be published in May 2026.

Why these reports matter

From limits on protest rights to harassment, stigmatisation and growing regulatory pressure on civil society, concerning trends are emerging across the EU. The MACS country reports provide the evidence needed to act early and better protect civic freedoms at both national and EU levels. 

A methodology designed by civil society

The new MACS methodology behind the reports is designed to capture both progress and decline in civic freedoms in the EU,  and provides actionable policy recommendations for decision-makers. It also identifies how proposed or adopted national laws may breach EU law and values.

The reports are complemented by an Early Warning and Alert System that helps detect restrictions at an early stage and prompt timely responses from EU institutions, international organisations, media and human rights actors. Published via the Civic Space Watch, alerts enable those working to protect civic freedoms to track developments and mobilise advocacy when risks emerge.

The civil society coalition that created MACS includes the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, European Civic Forum, Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law, Nyt Europa, Le Mouvement associatif, Hungarian Environmental Partnership Foundation, Netherlands Helsinki Committee, National Federation of Polish NGOs, and the Civil Society Development Foundation. 

Ready for wider use across Europe

Now tested and finalised, the MACS methodology is ready for broader application. We encourage civil society partners to use it in other countries to strengthen monitoring efforts and support civic action across Europe.

Find out more!

The seven country reports and more information about the methodology are available on ECNL’s MACS page.