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!

Security/CT

French Administrative Supreme Court illegitimately buries the debate over internet censorship law

Upholding the French decree implementing the EU’s terrorist content regulation threatens free expression online and undermines the role of EU's top court.

News

Participation

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

Monitoring Civic Spaces

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

European policies

Rule of Law in the EU: How does it strengthen civic space?

Learn more about the rule of law and how civil society can engage in the 2024 EU Rule of Law dialogue in our new briefer.

Research

European policies

Updated Handbook on How to Use EU Law to Protect Civic Space

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.

Research

Participation

Empowering civil society voices: Leveraging the potential of participatory tools in the EU

Join the webinars on 26-27 September to influence ongoing research and discuss ways to strengthen civil society participation in the EU and its Member States.

News

European policies

CSOs across Europe face threats and disproportionate restrictions, FRA report finds

The new civic space report also suggests specific actions to improve CSOs' working environment. Through its CSO Meter and EU Law Handbook, ECNL has tools available that can support these efforts.

News

European policies

France aims to strengthen respect of republican values: but how does this affect civic space?

Read our quick analysis on the controversial provisions of the new French bill - and how they might be challenged under EU law. #EUlaw4civicfreedoms

News

European policies

When regulatory powers oppress freedom of association, think of EU law

EU law may help against disguised attempts to stigmatise CSOs and hamper their legitimate activities. #EUlaw4civicfreedoms

News