CAN Europe welcomes the European Commission’s plan for an EU Civil Society Strategy (CSS) and strongly supports its goal to strengthen civic space and protect civil society organisations (CSOs). We now urge the Commission to take into account the concrete experiences across European CSOs and take concrete and subsequent action to uphold civic freedoms and democratic principles.
We highlight the essential role CSOs play in driving climate action, social justice, and democratic participation across Europe. From advocating ambitious climate policies to promoting inclusion, gender equality, and community resilience, CSOs are vital for an ambitious, just and people-centred transition.
However, CSOs increasingly face serious challenges: media smear campaigns, criminalisation of climate activism, funding uncertainty, and shrinking access to decision-makers. This undermines both democracy and the EU’s ability to meet its climate goals – goals that 85% of Europeans view as urgent, and 81% support for 2050 climate neutrality.
We call on the EU Civil Society Strategy to include concrete measures to:
– Formally recognise and protect CSOs at EU level
– Safeguard civic freedoms like freedom of expression and assembly
– Safeguard open spaces for dialogue with policy makers
– Ensure stable and accessible funding, including at national level
– Support the wellbeing and safety of activists, especially youth and climate defenders
– Ensure that new policies concerning transparency and reporting of CSOs are carefully balanced and guided by proportionality
– Extend protection beyond EU borders, especially in the EU neighbouring countries and the Global South
The EU’s climate leadership depends on upholding civic freedom and democratic principles. The EU must protect both. Ensuring the success of EU climate and social policies depends on a vibrant, protected civic space. As such, the CSS and related EU policies must embed and protect CSOs as core partners in shaping and delivering these goals.
For more information:
Kristina Naunova, Senior Network Development and Project Coordinator at Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe
Contact: kristina.naunova@caneurope.org
