Civic Space Policy Pill
Civic space is a cornerstone of democracy: the space where individuals, civil society organisations, trade unions, media, activists, and human rights defenders organise, participate, communicate, and influence public and political life. Yet across Europe and beyond, this space is increasingly under threat, restricted through tactics ranging from restrictive legislation and funding cuts to smear campaigns and intimidation.
This policy pill sets out SOLIDAR’s position and work on civic space: what it means, why it matters, and how we and our members are working to defend and expand it. It covers our understanding of civic space as encompassing access to participation and decision-making, an enabling legal and policy environment, sustainable funding, and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms — including assembly, association, and expression. It also presents the ecosystem we work through, from our members and Task Force on Civic Space to EU networks and global alliances such as CIVICUS, and outlines what this looks like in practice — from member-driven initiatives and monitoring work to our engagement with key EU policy processes.
Explore the pill below to learn more about our approach and the concrete work behind it.
