European CSOs publish seven new country reports on civic space trends across the EU
News
Based on a new methodology, the MACS reports reveal the trends that shaped civic action in 2025 and identify next steps needed to protect it.
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!
Highlighted
A Guide to Fundamental Rights Impact Assessments (FRIA)
Research
Developed by ECNL and DIHR, this new guide lays out a clear roadmap for putting FRIAs into practice meaningfully, as strategic tools for responsible AI use.
New global initiative aims to place environmental defenders at the heart of climate decisions
News
ECNL and partners launched the LEAD initiative at COP30.
Framework for Meaningful Engagement 2.0
Research
The updated FME 2.0 offers very practical suggestions on how to engage civil society and affected communities in AI development to support platforms and AI developers in creating rights-based products.
The Future of Civil Societies
Research
What are the trends and drivers that shape our world and the work of civil society? A foresight paper by James Logan written as part of ECNL’s strategy development process.
How AI is powering transnational repression
This scoping study examines the growing use of digital technologies by governments to suppress dissent beyond their borders, with a particular focus on how AI is transforming transnational repression.
Research
Five critical lessons from three years of DSA risk assessments
Our new policy brief analyses platform risk assessments, and sets out how they can be strengthened to become meaningful tools for transparency under the EU Digital Services Act.
Research
Fourth Civic Space Watch alerts under MACS
Here are the latest developments in European civic space emerging from the Early Warning and Alert System, developed as part of the MACS (Monitoring Action for Civic Space) project.
News
When national security becomes a shield for evading AI accountability
To protect fundamental rights, AI-enabled national security initiatives require urgent limits, says ECNL in Tech Policy Press blog.
News
European CSOs publish seven new country reports on civic space trends across the EU
Based on a new methodology, the MACS reports reveal the trends that shaped civic action in 2025 and identify next steps needed to protect it.
News
Financial access of human rights defenders in exile
Read our policy paper with targeted recommedations to the EU, governments and banks to ensure defenders' financial inclusion in the EU.
Research
Stronger protection for freedom of association ahead: UN HRC General Comment No. 38
Read the joint submission from ECNL and ICNL on the aspects that we believe should be prioritised in the next UN HRC General Comment.
News
A Guide to Fundamental Rights Impact Assessments (FRIA)
Developed by ECNL and DIHR, this new guide lays out a clear roadmap for putting FRIAs into practice meaningfully, as strategic tools for responsible AI use.
Research
A framework for AI systems that truly serve the communities they affect: ECNL's Framework for Meaningful Engagement
Here is a quick overview of the key elements of the updated FME 2.0, a tool to distinguish deep, substantive engagement from superficial consultation.
News