Press Releases

The European Commission’s Rule of Law monitoring process is not fit for purpose, according to a leading European NGO, as the body publishes its annual report on the issue. In a statement published today assessing the reporting process over the last five years the European Civic Forum (ECF) argues that it is far too limited…...

Civic freedoms in decline in the EU and Western Balkans EU policies contributes to shrinking space for civil society Restrictions against protests showing solidarity with the Palestinian people across the EU Ahead of the EU elections, a new report released by the European Civic Forum finds that overall, civic freedoms have deteriorated in Europe during…...

Protests banned on grounds of protecting ‘public order’ and ‘security’ Authorities have resorted to excessive force in multiple countries, including the use of pepper spray, kettling and the deployment of police dogs Palestinian flags and scarves also widely banned European and international NGOs urge the Commission to act on restrictions The European Civic Forum, Civil…...

A group of European and international NGOs have urged the Spanish authorities to protect fundamental freedoms after a court launched an investigation into 12 Catalan activists, accusing them of terrorism. The call comes after a large gathering of journalists, civil society and trade unions took place in Barcelona in support of the 12. In a…...

Despite widespread concerns expressed by the European Civic Forum and hundreds of civil society organisations (CSOs) in consultations, meetings and letters, the European Commission has proposed a foreign funding directive as part of its Defence of Democracy package. The directive will create a register of entities that carry out “interest representation services” or activities on…...

At the core of our societies lie individuals and groups dedicated to ensuring that every person, regardless of circumstance, enjoys their fundamental human rights. We recognise and value the millions of actors, both formal and informal, who labour tirelessly for the effective access to rights for all.  The term "Civil Society” encapsulates a diverse range…...