- Rise of far-right accompanied by a deliberate strategy to delegitimise civil society, through smear campaigns, SLAPPs, and restrictive “foreign agents” legislation
- Right to protest increasingly under attack, with Palestine solidarity and environmental justice campaigners targeted
- Government ministers in several states question international human rights law
Europe is experiencing a dangerous rollback of civic freedoms, according to a new report[1] from a leading European network, in what the organisation describes as a wake-up call for EU leaders.
The report, written by the European Civic Forum and launched today at a cross-party event in the European Parliament, documents the environment for civil society groups and activists in the EU and Western Balkans. It finds an “unprecedented and intensified attack” on civil society and civic freedoms, including restrictions on protest rights, challenges to non-profit funding, and smear campaigns and harassment of critical voices.
A deliberate strategy to delegitimise civil society
The report, covering 2024 and early 2025, comes amid the rise of far-right, anti-democratic forces in several European countries. This has coincided with 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.[2]
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. Compouding 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.[3] 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
Compounding these challenges, governments in several member states have questioned the credibility and applicability of international human rights conventions. For example, in Denmark, the now taxation minister, argued that Denmark should not abide by rulings of the European Court of Human Rights, particularly on questions related to immigration.[4] Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that while she does not intend to withdraw Denmark from the conventions, they should not be set in stone.[5] Meanwhile, under the Meloni government in Italy, LGBTQI+ rights, migrant’s rights, and sexual and reproductive rights have faced serious attacks.
Commenting on the report’s findings, Aarti Narsee, Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer at the European Civic Forum and the report’s lead author, said:
“Europe is facing an unprecedented attack on civic space. Governments are increasingly using narratives of “foreign” influence and pushing a security agenda to crack down on civil society and activists.
“Anti-discrimination, climate and environmental justice, and LGBTQI+ and migrants’ rights movements on the frontline are often targeted because they push back against systemic injustice.”
A wake-up call to EU leaders
The report authors 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.
“The EU was founded on the promise of universal rights and democratic values — but these are being steadily eroded.
“This report is a wake-up call to our leaders: if we want to strengthen our democracies, we must first rebuild the crumbling foundations of public trust. That starts by truly hearing the voices of the people, of their organisations and movements.
“Civic engagement must be valued and protected — the right to speak out, organise, dream, and dissent is the lifeblood of any lasting democracy” said ECF Secretary General Alexandrina Najmowicz.
***ENDS***
Contacts
Benjamin Goodwin, Communications and Campaigns Officer, bgoodwin@civic-forum.eu
About the European Civic Forum
European Civic Forum (ECF) is a pan-European network of nearly 100 associations and NGOs across 29 European countries. Founded in 2005 by our member organisations, we have spent nearly two decades working to protect civic space, enable civic participation and build civil dialogue for more equality, solidarity and democracy in Europe.
[1] https://civic-forum.eu/civicspace25
[2] https://szuverenitasvedelmihivatal.hu/dokumentumaink/
[3] https://www.newarab.com/news/children-young-7-arrested-german-police-gaza-demos
[4] https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/politik/rasmus-stoklund-den-europaeiske-menneskerettighedsdomstol-er-blevet-et-stort
[5] https://www.dansketaler.dk/tale/mette-frederiksens-tale-ved-socialdemokratiets-kongres#source