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We are experts on civil society law and policy. We co-develop locally-led responses with the goal to protect civic freedoms. We create knowledge, build networks and strengthen legal protections. ECNL is analytical, forward-looking and innovative.
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ECNL Learning Center
Learn more about critical aspects that affect civic space.
CSO Meter
Assess and advocate for an improved civil society environment in the Eastern Partnership countries.
Updated Handbook on How to Use EU Law to Protect Civic Space
Research
In the Second Edition of our Handbook, you will find guidance on how EU law affects our fundamental rights, and why rule of law matters to civic space.
Focus areas
We are deeply commited to empowering civil society through creating enabling legal and policy frameworks. Explore our focus areas!
Protests and Assemblies
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Participation
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Funding and Philanthropy
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UN Standards
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European policies
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Action for Civic Space
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Monitoring Civic Spaces
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Climate Action
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News & Research
What's the latest in the field of civil society law and policy? Read our news and learn more about our analytical and research work!
Latest
View allCatalyst of Change project continues in the second year with trainings for grantees
Together with the Netherlands Helsinki Committee we support grassroots initiatives focused on women's rights, the environmental justice and anti-corruption efforts.
News
AI Global Governance: Assessment of governance mechanisms with a human rights approach
To support ongoing work by the UN's AI Advisory Body, a new study by Global Partners Digital and ECNL analyses the effectiveness of governance mechanisms through a human rights lens.
Research
CoE and AI Convention: Last chance to salvage human rights from blanket exemptions and weak language
Council of Europe Conference of INGOs issues recommendations to PACE on Framework Convention on AI, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law.
News
Republika Srpska: Analysis of the "foreign agent" law
If adopted, the draft law will violate Bosnia and Herzegovina’s obligations to guarantee freedom of association, expression, the right to participation, as well as the prohibition of discrimination.
Research
EU Defence of Democracy Package: Proposal for Directive lacks clarity and legal certainty on key definitions
ECNL position paper analyses the foreign interest representation directive and recommends reviewing the proposal to safeguard fundamental freedoms.
Research
Phase two of ParticipatiON project: AI technologies used in public participation
The new phase of the project will delve deeper into the intersection of AI and participation.
News
Packed with loopholes: why the AI Act fails to protect civic space and the rule of law
ECNL, Liberties and European Civic Forum put forth an analysis of the AI Act from the rule of law and civic space perspectives.
News
Increasing CSOs’ financial sustainability - new project in Moldova
ECNL will identify key opportunities for reform and assist CSOs in advocating for an improved philanthropic environment.
News
Launching MACS: Monitoring action for civic space
ECNL together with 8 CSOs from across Europe launches new, EU-funded project to monitor civic space in member states.
News
Impact stories
ECNL Portals
ECNL maintains several different websites, each with essential information but different civic space focus . Created with partners, these portals provide knowledge on the core civic freedoms of association, assembly and participation to support CSOs and civic groups open and defend their own spaces. Click here for for our learning center and a collection of websites to navigate the nonprofit laws around the world, assess civil society environment in the Eastern Partnership countries or track government responses to the pandemic that affect civic freedoms.
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Civic space portals
Explore our diverse websites!
E-tools
Through research and analysis we provide digital tools on various civic space issues. Explore our online resources for accessible information on assembly rights in the digital space, nonprofit banking, international standards that protect climate activists and more!
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Online resources on the ECNL website
Use these tools to analyse trends and advocate for better policies, laws and practices that affect civil society.
About us
ECNL is an independent and established European leader on law and policy that affect civil society. We create knowledge, empower partners and help set global and regional standards that create, protect and expand civic freedoms. We rely on our 20+ years of expertise to respond to trends with relevance, creativity and innovation. Get to know us!
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This is us over the years
Get to know the people working to address critical civic space needs!
Contact
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