On 13 May, ECF launched our annual flagship Civic Space Report at a packed event in the European Parliament.
13/05/2026 – ECF Co-President Raffaella Bolini speaking at the launch of the Civic Space Report © Elio Germani
We kicked off the event with a presentation of the findings, which demonstrate a clear trend: EU policies and rhetoric are reinforcing attacks on civil society across the continent. This is visible in migration policies that criminalise solidarity, “foreign agent” laws that stigmatise civil society organisations, and funding attacks that undermine public advocacy and watchdog roles.
Reacting to the findings, UN Special Rapporteur Gina Romero, joining via video link, warned that restrictions on the right to protest in Europe have an impact worldwide, highlighting the criminalisation of solidarity and climate movements.
We then heard from Renew Europe MEPs Raquel Garcia Hermida-van der Walle, and Fabienne Keller, who stressed the importance of fighting the “NGO witch hunt” in the European Parliament, and strongly supporting the proposed AgoraEU programme in the EU’s next long-term budget.
13/05/2026 – MEP Raquel Garcia Hermida-van der Walle responds to findings of Civic Space Report © Elio Germani 2026
The event then focused in on the attacks on NGO funding in the European and national parliaments. We heard from Patrizia Heidegger of Civil Society Europe and European Environmental Bureau about the “scrutiny working group” on NGO financing, and how MEPs from the centre- and far-right have used disinformation to undermine the legitimacy of NGOs. Dana Marekova from Klimatická koalícia in Slovakia detailed the chilling effect of new “lobbyist” laws and other concerning legislation coming from the Fico government.
Julie Pascoët and Sedra Arab from the European Network Against Racism Aisbl (ENAR) noted that anti-racism groups have faced these attacks for years, calling for deeper solidarity. Julie highlighted the uncertainty surrounding ENAR’s EU operating grant, which has led the organisation to launch an urgent fundraising appeal.
Reacting to the panellists, MEP Rasmus Nordqvist (Greens/EFA) stressed the importance of civil society alerting lawmakers to restrictions early so that they can intervene.
In closing, Ana Catarina Mendes (S&D) reminded the room that advocacy is a vital part of a healthy democracy, while Benedetta Scuderi (Greens/EFA) emphasised the need to hold MEPs to account to maintain a democratic majority in the European Parliament.
A huge thank you to all our speakers and participants for your vital contributions, to Renew Europe and The Greens/EFA for making the event possible, and to Elio Germani for the photography!