Civil society's shrinking space

[Celerity]

Amid the argument over the rule of law in certain EU member states, civil society needs strengthening as an embodiment of European values.

https://socialeurope.eu/civil-societys-shrinking-space



The European Union is built on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights—three mutually reinforcing pillars. At the heart of democracy, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and critical thinking shape the functioning of our societies. What makes a democracy vibrant is public debate: ideas are articulated and confront each other. And one of the important sources of this articulation of ideas is civil society.

Civil society not only nurtures freedom of expression and association as intrinsic values but relies on these rights to function properly. The work of civil-society organisations (CSOs), often seen (or made to be seen) as controversial, is an essential ingredient of democracy, just as are free speech and elections free from interference. But civil society needs a safe and enabling environment. That civic space has been shrinking in parts of Europe was widely documented even before the pandemic hit. The adoption this month by the European Parliament of my report on this theme is crucial in the current political environment. We need to act now—or some countries might divert way too far from the path of European values.

Key role

When fundamental rights, democratic principles or the rule of law are eroded or even under attack, CSOs play a key role in raising awareness, advocating for their protection and mobilising in their defence. Civil society is thus critical to realising the values underpinning the European Union, as enshrined in article 2 of the Treaty on European Union. Yet in acting to defend or elaborate these values, CSOs often become the targets of policies and measures trying to limit the space in which they operate. This shrinking of civic space has many forms and takes place at many levels—from unintended administrative obstructions to deliberate assaults on the very existence of civil society and its representatives.

Time and time again, CSOs have stood up when democracy has been under threat. We have seen their resilience in Hungary or Poland or wherever democratic backsliding has happened in the EU. This role in defending our democracies cannot however be taken for granted: some governments continue to pursue policies fundamentally at odds with European values and can marginalise the most vulnerable groups in our societies—just by introducing discriminatory laws or decisions, or initiating smear campaigns against organisations that dare to speak up for these groups.

Shy in standing up.........

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