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

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

Tech and AI

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

Action for Civic Space

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

European policies

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

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

Tech and AI

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

Funding and Philanthropy

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

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

Action for Civic Space

Global Nonprofits Guide 2.0 launched

The updated Global Nonprofits Guide now comes with new functionalities and resources on registration and operation of CSOs in 50+ jurisdictions.

News