Representatives of European civil society express their solidarity with the people of Serbia amid escalting repression.
European civil society stands in solidarity with the people of Serbia
read more
Civic Space
Net4Defenders — Project partners advance work on civic space and protection of human rights defenders
Over the past few months, ECF has been enhancing the work on the protection of civil society and human rights defenders across Europe, including through the Net4Defenders project. As civic space continues to face growing challenges, strengthening advocacy,...
In historic decision, European Commission promises strategy to support, protect, and empower civil society
The European Commission has today published its 2025 work programme, including a pledge to introduce a Civil Society Strategy — a historic decision that follows years of campaigning by the European Civic Forum and organisations across the EU. In the context of...
The EU must ensure the conditions for an open public debate on EU policies
This statement was published by Civil Society Europe. As the coordination of civil society organisations (CSOs) representing citizens, we believe that the EU must ensure the conditions for an open public debate on environmental issues, as well as on all other EU...
Repression of Palestine solidarity in Europe widespread, according to new briefing
The repression of solidarity with Palestine continues in Europe, with the use of excessive force, intimidation and censorship among the most common restrictions, according to a new briefing from the European Civic Forum (ECF). One year on from the Hamas attacks...
EDITO: The renewed European Commission could be an opportunity for action on civic space. We must ensure that it delivers on its potential.
Last month, Ursula von der Leyen presented her new team of Commissioners-designate, including Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice, and the Rule of Law Michael McGrath. At ECF, we’re pleased to see that, in these mandates, the Commission recognises protecting...
European NGOs publish papers on a protection mechanism for human rights defenders and CSOs
Today, the European Civic Forum and Civil Society Europe, leading an informal coalition of Civil Society Organisations, present the Mapping paper and the Pathways paper for a Protection Mechanism for Human Rights Defenders and Civil Society Organisations in Europe. ...
EDITO: A busy rentrée in Brussels
September is always a busy month in Brussels. Every year la rentrée ensures that summer holidays are soon forgotten about. This year, this is especially true. Speculation (and political drama) surrounding the unveiling of the new European Commission portfolios...
With the rule of law in decline, the Commission’s reporting is not fit for purpose
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...
Five years into the EU Rule of Law policy: taking stock, looking forward
2024 marks the fifth year of the European Commission's annual Rule of Law Report cycle. Aside from assessing this year’s report, this moment is an opportunity to reflect on the tangible outcomes of these reports and how to address their shortcomings in the future. At...