A thriving democracy requires freedom of association, assembly and expression in an open and safe environment.

However, civil society actors are under increasing political and legal pressures that can affect their ability to operate and their role in upholding people’s democratic rights.  

Restrictive laws, administrative barriers and political threats are all challenges that civil society faces, often resulting in difficult environments for organisations, employees and volunteers. Democratic backsliding in some member states is also restricting civic space, meaning there is less opportunity for civil society to operate freely and hold those in power to account.