A deliberate strategy to delegitimise civil society

Along with the rise of far-right, anti-democratic forces in several European countries, we have seen a deliberate strategy to delegitimise civil society, through harassment, smear campaigns, and restrictive legislation, including laws branding NGOs that receive funding from abroad as “foreign agents”. In Hungary, for example, the new Sovereignty Protection Office (SPO) is tasked with investigating and reporting on any organisations or individuals perceived as critical.

Meanwhile, MEPs from the European People’s Party (EPP) — the largest group in the European Parliament — have spread misinformation about EU funding programmes, in an apparent attempt undermine the EU’s funding of NGOs and restrict their ability to engage with policymakers — a key function of any non-profit organisation in a democracy. Compounding this, the decision of the Trump administration to freeze U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funds is having a significant impact on civil society in Europe.

Protest rights severely restricted; Palestine solidarity and environmental groups targeted

The report also covers the right to protest, documenting widespread violations of international human rights standards across Europe. In particular, demonstrations in solidarity with Palestine and for climate justice faced significant restrictions, including the use of excessive force by police, new restrictive legislation, and outright protest bans.

For example, police in Germany have repeatedly used disproportionate force against protesters, including minors, and banned solidarity protests.[2] In the Netherlands, Palestine solidarity actions — in particular student encampments — were met with restrictions including surveillance, excessive use of force and mass arrests, which were paired with politicians’ calls for more aggressive prosecution of protesters. Meanwhile, Italy’s new “Ecovandalism” law would impose fines of up to €60,000 and prison sentences of up to five years for defacing cultural sites.

International human rights law put into question as LGBTQI+ people, racialised groups, and migrants scapegoated

Governments in several member states have questioned the credibility and applicability of international human rights conventions. For example, in Denmark, a government minister argued that Denmark should not abide by rulings of the European Court of Human Rights, particularly on questions related to immigration. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that while she does not intend to withdraw Denmark from the conventions, they should not be set in stone. Meanwhile, under the Meloni government in Italy, LGBTQI+ rights, migrant’s rights, and sexual and reproductive rights have faced serious attacks.

A wake-up call to EU leaders

We call on EU and national leaders to take concrete actions to protect and expand the space for civil society, particularly in the context of a growing assault on democracy.