News » Report on Civic Space in Europe 2017

29.08.2018

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Civil Society Europe has presented on 22 June 2018 at a side event at the Human Rights Council in Geneva its second report on civic space in Europe 2017. The report maps out key trends on civic space in Europe, based on the perception of civil society organisations.

The report maps out key trends on civic space in Europe, based on the perception of civil society organisations.

Civic Space is understood as the ability to enjoy civic freedoms: thefreedoms of association, assembly and expression which give people thefreedom to form and join groups, peacefully protest, and advocate forthe things they desire ? and to counter the things they do not want.These freedoms are an essential part of a vibrant democracy; wheredebate and discussion thrive, and where people are able to contribute toimportant decisions that affect them.

The survey was open to civil society organisations (CSOs) at nationalor local level in the European Union, European Economic space andcandidate countries.

The survey shows a general confidence of CSOs in the EuropeanEconomic Area in the freedom of association, assembly and of expressionwhich is particularly striking if compared to candidate countries in theEuropean neighborhood. However, there is a widespread perception oflack of progress and deterioration.

Among factors that raised concern about the shrinking of civic spaceis the decline of rule of law and transparency, and the emergence offorms of managed participation in countries traditionally supportive ofcivil society. Also worrying is the rise of right-wing populism and thespread of hate speech which give more visibility to extreme voices andcontributes to the creation of informal barriers and discourages people,especially those belonging to vulnerable groups, from joining thepolitical debate. Neoliberal policies, austerity, and lack ofunderstanding of the specificity of civil society are also source ofanxiety.

The report calls for the European institutions to act moreproactively on the shrinking civic space by playing a greater role inupholding democratic principles and setting guidelines to ensure anenabling environment for civil society.

Please find below the full report: Civic Space in Europe 2017.

Source: www.civilsocietyeurope.eu/2018/06/22/report-on-civic-space-in-europe-2017

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