CIVIC SPACE REPORT 2023

Civil society is a cornerstone of democracy and rule of law. In the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine we are reminded that with few means and little power, in the context of conflicts, pandemics or natural disasters, civil society organisations and volunteers help people in need. They are often the first ones to arrive and the last ones to leave. They advocate for the common good and to ensure laws are not driven by corporate interest and for-profit pursues.

But across the EU, NGOs, associations and movements are experiencing pressures and challenges faced with the erosion of democratic processes and breaches of the rule of law. 

The Civic Space report 2023 by the European Civic Forum (ECF) highlights similar trends and patterns of deterioration of civic freedoms emerging across Europe.