This contribution has been prepared by the working group on Civic Space of Civil Society Europe which is composed of CSE members, the European Foundation Centre as a partner organisation and several organisations working in the area of civic freedoms. 

As Civil Society Europe works primarily on the enabling Framework for civil society, their contribution focuses on this aspect. For a few years they assist to a worrying trend of restrictive measures in a number of Member States which is negatively affecting civic space and the ability of civil society actors to carry out their legitimate tasks. Civil society represents constituencies from a wide range of sectors; its organisations contribute to enhancing and promoting the effective access to civic, political, economic, social, cultural and environmental rights for many as well as mobilise through campaigning, advocacy and judicial proceedings when these are not respected.

Read the full response here.