Civic Space Watch is an online platform that gathers data and reports on developments in civic space at the national and EU level and analyses national and European trends in civic space. Powered by the European Civic Forum, it collects findings through regular contact and interviews with a strong network of members and partners on the ground, as well as ongoing media and social media monitoring.
Our key missions are to:
Through the Monitoring Action for Civic Space (MACS) project, we are piloting an Early Warning and Alert System to systematise the collection of civic space developments, report on early signs of shrinking civic space, and call on EU institutions to act before the situation deteriorates.
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.
Civil society is made up of organisations and groups that work for the common good and are separate from governments and businesses. These organisations, often called civil society organisations (CSOs), include associations, foundations, nonprofits, movements, and informal groups that advocate for human rights, social and environmental justice, and community well-being.
A strong civil society is a pillar of democracy. CSOs play a crucial role in:
However, civil society is increasingly under threat.
While the concept of “shrinking civic space” is gaining traction, it remains a phenomenon that is difficult to grasp as threats to civil society are emerging in young democracies in addition to well-established ones. Challenges to understand and react to these threats are common not only among policy-makers and media, but also within civil society.
Civic Space Watch aims to amplify voices, build knowledge, and resilience for vibrant civic space in Europe.
Across the world — including in Europe — governments are introducing more restrictions that make it harder for civil society to function. This includes:
These restrictions weaken democracy and make it harder for people to fight for their rights.
The Early Warning and Alert System (EWAS) aims to proactively identify, monitor, and respond to emerging threats to civic space and democratic values across EU Member States. Developed through the project Monitoring Action for Civic Space (MACS), this civil society-led initiative acts on early signs of civic space deterioration by alerting the EU, international organisations, (such as the UN OHCHR, the Council of Europe and the OECD ODIHR), civil society organisations (CSOs), donors, the media, and human rights institutions to the developments.
The system is focused on policies and legislation that have the potential to restrict civic space and changes to the funding landscape.
Alerts and documentation come from a network of trusted flaggers — local civic organisations that monitor developments on the ground. Urgent cases and high probability threats trigger advocacy at the EU and international levels, while regular reports and newsletters provide deeper analysis of emerging trends.
Our key missions are to:
Through the Monitoring Action for Civic Space (MACS) project, we are piloting an Early Warning and Alert System to systematise the collection of civic space developments, report on early signs of shrinking civic space, and call on EU institutions to act before the situation deteriorates.
Trusted flaggers are national civil society organisations that play a crucial role in safeguarding civic space. They:
✅ Monitor the national situation and identify restrictions—or improvements;
✅ Collect, verify, and draft documentation and alerts in coordination with local civil society coalitions, ensuring information is accurate and evidence-based; and
✅ Act as first responders, fact-checking and validating reports from the public or other sources.
Under the MACS project, we developed a methodology scoring the health of civic space based on six key dimensions:
1️. Freedom of association – Can people form and join organisations freely?
2️. Access to funding – Are organisations financially supported to thrive?
3️. Freedom of peaceful assembly – Can people protest without fear?
4️. Freedom of expression – Are people free to speak up on matters of public interest?
5️. Right to participate in decision-making – Is the public involved in shaping policies?
6️. Safe space for civic actors – Are activists and civil society organisations protected?
Each dimension is assessed through qualitative and quantitative indicators using a standardised four-point scoring system, from 1 (extremely restricted) to 4 (extremely favourable). The methodology is going to be piloted in 2025 and will be open for feedback.
A strong civil society is a pillar of democracy. CSOs play a crucial role in:
However, civil society is increasingly under threat.
While the concept of “shrinking civic space” is gaining traction, it remains a phenomenon that is difficult to grasp as threats to civil society are emerging in young democracies in addition to well-established ones. Challenges to understand and react to these threats are common not only among policy-makers and media, but also within civil society.
Civic Space Watch aims to amplify voices, build knowledge, and resilience for vibrant civic space in Europe.
The resources collected feed several initiatives of the European Civic Forum (ECF) and its members and partners, including:
For more information, visit the ECF website!
The European Rights and Values programme was established to fund civil society efforts in democracy and the rule of law. ECF, alongside partners like Poland’s Batory Foundation, mobilised over 300 civic organisations at national and European level to push for an ambitious budget of €1.6 billion for 2021-2027. This collective action has provided essential resources to fuel advocacy, community projects, and fundamental rights initiatives across the EU.
In 2025, the European Commission announced a groundbreaking strategy to support, empower, and protect civil society, marking a historic step toward reversing the trend of shrinking civic space across Europe. This decision is the result of years of campaigning by the ECF and its partners, advocating against hostile legislation, funding restrictions, and attacks on NGOs.
Through our monitoring, reporting, and advocacy, we have been at the forefront of supporting national movements that have faced direct threats to their freedoms. We stood in solidarity with the Palestine solidarity movement, supported Slovenian civil society in challenging the illiberal policies of the Janša government, and led pan-European mobilisations against Spain’s gag law, France’s separatism bill and Denmark’s assembly ban, among others.
By alerting institutions to these developments and rallying support, we have ensured these critical issues received international attention, putting pressure on governments to uphold civil rights and democratic principles.
©2025 Civic Space Watch