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!

Tech and AI

150 human rights organisations call on EU institutions to protect people’s rights in the EU AI Act

As final negotiations on the AI Act kick off, civil society asks the EU to focus on empowering people, limiting discriminatory surveillance and pushing back on big tech lobbying.

News

Tech and AI

Joint call for human rights-centered approach to DSA enforcement

As part of the DSA Human Rights Alliance, we ask for the inclusion of civil society and global majority in the enforcement process of the Digital Services Act.

News

Tech and AI

ECNL’s call to the European Commission: Include rights-based impact assessments in the voluntary AI Code of Conduct

Why AI impact assessment is a useful instrument to be included in the upcoming AI code for companies.

News

Security/CT

How can financial institutions and CSOs work together to ensure access to financial services?

Explore practical solutions that have proved effective to improve civil society’s access to banking services.

Research

Action for Civic Space

Catalyst of Change: New project to support a vibrant civil society in Europe

Together with the Netherlands Helsinki Committe, we support grass roots organisations and movements working on women’s rights, environmental justice, and anti-corruption in Bulgaria, Croatia, Portugal, Romania and Slovenia.

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Tech and AI

Council of Europe must not water down their human rights standards in convention on AI

In a joint statement, civil society calls for a broad scope and definition of AI systems and no blanket exemptions for AI systems for national defence/national security.

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UN Standards

New UN report on ensuring the right of civil society organisations to access resources

The UN Special Rapporteur published a practical tool on how states and other key stakeholders can support civil society's access to financial resources.

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European policies

New project to enhance CSO and citizen participation in EU decision-making

ECNL is thrilled to be a grantee of the EU CERV programme supporting a more participatory and inclusive democratic landscape.

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Security/CT

Counter-terrorism financing regulation of crowdfunding, virtual assets and new payment tech

UN Special Rapporteur publishes position paper on international human rights law considerations for regulating new financial technologies.

News