A healthy democracy requires strong and vibrant culture, media and civil society. During the Irish Presidency, Ireland will chair negotiations on the EU's next seven-year budget. We are working in the Future of Europe Coalition to protect funding for our cultural, media and civil society sectors.

Coming up this week: the first in our webinar series with Human Rights Cities Network! Join us on 2 July to explore how municipalities can move beyond one-off consultation processes towards more meaningful orms of participation with civil society, Register now! 👇 us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

🚨 Civil society to European leaders: deliver a budget that is up to the challenge. Ahead of the June European Council, we are launching an open letter calling for a strong EU budget for 2028–2034, backed by adequate new resources. Read the letter: bit.ly/4oDcUUK #EUCivilSociety

"We believed there was enough protection within the system — through courts, constitutions, treaties. We've learned the hard way that stronger, more specific safeguards need to be built directly into the system." Full interview: euobserver.com/218954/inter...

[Interview] Civil society leader to EU: ‘Stop the witch hunt on NGOs before it’s too late for democracy’

As EU lawmakers turn their fire on “foreign-funded” NGOs, Natacha Kazatchkine warns that a coordinated witch-hunt is starving civil society of money, legitimacy and space to defend basic rights.

euobserver.com

What she'd ask from the next commission: — Withdraw the foreign funding law proposal — Embed civil dialogue structurally into EU policymaking — A dedicated EU budget strand for civil society — Impact assessments with the Fundamental Rights Agency on all new laws, especially on migration

Kazatchkine doesn't dodge self-criticism: some organisations became complacent, assumed they were always on the right side of history, and grew disconnected from ordinary people. But that critique applies to large organisations — civil society is far more diverse than its most prominent targets.

The EU's own policies are part of the problem. Rights-based policymaking has declined, the anti-discrimination agenda lost momentum, a push for faster, simplified lawmaking is weakening gains civil society spent years building – with little debate about consequences.

On that last one: Europe had largely been an exception compared to Russia, China and others. Now the EPP's Scrutiny Working Group in the Parliament is pushing the narrative that public money is being wasted on NGOs acting against citizens' interests. Kazatchkine calls it a witch hunt.

The ECF's 2026 report identifies three main trends eating away at civic space: — Criminalisation of solidarity with migrants — Restrictions on the right to protest and public assembly — Legislation targeting foreign-funded NGOs, framed as "transparency" but with deeply stigmatising effects

Twenty years ago, civic space was barely a topic in EU politics. That changed around 2017-18 with Poland and Hungary — when EU institutions realised they needed stronger accountability mechanisms AND support for the groups defending democratic values inside member states.

Reporter Petra Pavlovičová interviewed Natacha Kazatchkine, secretary general of the @civic-forum.eu, on what's actually happening to civic space inside the EU. It's not pretty. 🧵 euobserver.com/218954/inter...

[Interview] Civil society leader to EU: ‘Stop the witch hunt on NGOs before it’s too late for democracy’

As EU lawmakers turn their fire on “foreign-funded” NGOs, Natacha Kazatchkine warns that a coordinated witch-hunt is starving civil society of money, legitimacy and space to defend basic rights.

euobserver.com

#CongrèsLDH2026 Dans un contexte de fragilisation des espaces démocratiques, montée des extrêmes droites et remise en cause des droits, la #LDH @civic-forum.eu‬ Euromed Droits @fidh-francais.bsky.social @alhaq.bsky.social rappellent l’impact de ces transformations sur la défense des droits.

The 2026 Civic Space Report is out now — and its findings are stark. Civil society continued to come under attack in 2025, with EU policies now playing a key role. (1/3)

🟡500+ organizations call for stronger #EU funding for #AgoraEU Despite its strategic importance, only 0.43% of the EU’s next long-term budget is proposed, falling short of what is neededto safeguard media, culture and #democracy. 👉 shorturl.at/y4qTR #CivilSociety @civic-forum.eu

💻 Our webinar series on the EU long-term budget has taken place! Over 250 national organisations participated in our webinars, where they had the chance to learn, network and exchange knowledge at national level on this topic. Thanks @civic-forum.eu for your collaboration! #EUCivilSociety

🤝 Help shape the future of quality in the European third sector! Complete the survey developed by the CoQuality network, of which CSE is a member, and share your experience. Access the survey here: bit.ly/4bdlRgV #EUCivilSociety

With speakers from 👇 @fra.europa.eu @eesc.bsky.social ‪@liberties.eu‬ @fidh-official.bsky.social @ec.europa.eu @transparency-eu.bsky.social & @civic-forum.eu 🔴Streaming: link.europa.eu/pK6mHj

The season is upon us, but it appears not everyone has been invited to the ball. While industry leaders enjoyed red carpets in Antwerp, we’ve learned that 270+ groups are demanding their own ball ahead of #EUCO. Will @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu accept the dance? 💃 bit.ly/AntwerpCount... #Bridgerton

Out now: A new Civic Space Watch for a new era! We’ve moved beyond just monitoring to a proactive, action-oriented approach to protect civic freedoms in Europe. Explore the new site: civicspacewatch.eu

We're looking for a Finance & Administration Officer to join our team. This role will help create the conditions for a thriving organisation. Don't miss out - apply by 15 February! 👉 civic-forum.eu/staff/we-are...

We are hiring: Finance and Administration Officer - European Civic Forum

civic-forum.eu

We're looking for a Finance & Administration Officer to join our team. This role will help create the conditions for a thriving organisation. Apply by 18 January! 👉https://civic-forum.eu/staff/we-are-hiring-finance-and-administration-officer

Natacha Kazatchkine has been appointed as the new secretary general of the European Civic Forum, taking up her post on 7 January. Natacha brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent years as championing fundamental rights and civil society. Read more 👇 civic-forum.eu/press/natach...

Natacha Kazatchkine appointed as new ECF Secretary General - European Civic Forum

Brussels, 12 January 2026 – Natacha Kazatchkine has been appointed as the new secretary general of the European Civic Forum. She began her position on 7 January. Natacha brings a wealth of experience ...

civic-forum.eu

We're looking for a Finance & Administration Officer to join our team. This role will help create the conditions for a thriving organisation. Apply by 18 January! 👉https://civic-forum.eu/staff/we-are-hiring-finance-and-administration-officer

#EU & gov. "must now uphold their responsibilities towards civil society & bring in measures to ensure : 1️⃣ Involvement at all stages of the policymaking process 2️⃣ Access to adequate, stable & transparent 💶 3️⃣ NGOs, asso. & activists are 🛡 from threat, harm & can carry out their work free from 😰 or ⚔"

European Civic Forum@civic-forum.eu · 8mo ago

The @ec.europa.eu has published a strategy for civil society. What now? Check out our latest briefing to find out what’s in the strategy and what needs to follow it! civic-forum.eu/CivilSociety... #civicpride #civicspace

The @ec.europa.eu has published a strategy for civil society. What now? Check out our latest briefing to find out what’s in the strategy and what needs to follow it! civic-forum.eu/CivilSociety... #civicpride #civicspace

Civil Society Strategy - European Civic Forum

civic-forum.eu

Ever heard of cheesing?* 🧀 It's the perfect way to describe the game that's played by decisionmakers to destroy environmental & human rights protections: 1. Cheap tricks 2. Unfair 3. Overly easy Watch & let us know who you nominate for BIGGEST cheese⁉️ #Deregulator youtu.be/IyWvUzR5y2M?...

The deregulator

YouTube video by Friends of the Earth Europe

youtu.be

Juste après sa réunion de travail à Bruxelles, le 3 décembre 2025, Moussa SANGARE a profité pour visiter les locaux du European Civic Forum en tant que membre du conseil d’administration de cette organisation. Il a été très bien accueilli par l’équipe.

🚀 New global #PeoplePower2025 report shows civic freedoms are under attack globally. A record number of countries are now rated as ‘Repressed’ and ‘Closed.’ See country ratings & data on top violations 🔴🟡🟢: web.civicus.org/PeoplePower2025

The EU has published a strategy to support, empower, and protect civil society. What does it say ? And how can we turn words into action ? Find out at civic-forum.eu/CivilSociety... #CivicPride

Civil Society Strategy - European Civic Forum

civic-forum.eu

The EU has published a strategy to support, empower, and protect civil society. What does it say ? And how can we turn words into action ? Find out at civic-forum.eu/CivilSociety... #CivicPride

Civil Society Strategy - European Civic Forum

civic-forum.eu