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!

UN Standards

States must respect, protect and facilitate freedom of peaceful assembly and association in digitally-mediated spaces, warn UN and regional mandates

Digital technologies should not be used to unduly restrict civic space online and offline, urge UN and regional human rights experts in joint declaration.

News

Tech and AI

EU reaches agreement on the Artificial Intelligence Act

CSOs fear the final EU AI Act will fall short of effectively protecting people from harmful effects of AI.

News

Action for Civic Space

A “foreign agent” law targets CSOs in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The recent draft law in Republika Srpska is the latest example of laws that claim to tackle harmful foreign influences or foreign agents, but in fact aim to limit critical voices and funding of civil society.

News

Participation

Participation of organised civil society in shaping EU policies at the national level

Briefer on existing participatory practices and guidance on what more can be done.

Research

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

Security/CT

Navigating 2023 changes of FATF Recommendation 8 and Best Practice Paper

How can CSOs best interpret and use the latest FATF changes for their advocacy?

Research

Action for Civic Space

Catalyst of Change: Call for proposals for CSOs in Croatia

Applications are open for small grants supporting CSOs in responding to emerging challenges affecting democratic and civic space!

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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

Climate Action

COP28: protecting environmental defenders and their civic space

Via events and a joint policy brief, ECNL is calling for increased recognition, protection and participation of environmental defenders in climate negotiations and policies at COP28.

News