FRA’s report ‘Civic Space Update: Enabling civil society to uphold EU values and strengthen democracy’ shows that civil society organisations (CSOs) are facing growing challenges amid geopolitical instability, disinformation campaigns, and deepening social polarisation. According to FRA’s analysis, 67% of human rights organisations report online attacks or threats, 60% report negative media coverage or smear campaigns, 39% experience politically motivated funding cuts and 36% excessive administrative controls or audits. Organisations also report increased interference with freedoms of assembly and expression, including at demonstrations.
EU Member States are taking steps to better protect and support civil society, but comprehensive strategies to protect an open civic space remain an exception. The persisting pressure on civic space highlights the need for more coherent and long‑term approaches.
You can read the full FRA report, which recommends a number of measures at EU and member state level, at the link.
