CIVICUS has released its 2026 State of Civil Society Report, the 15th edition of its annual analysis examining global civil society trends in 2025 and early 2026. Drawing on the CIVICUS Lens initiative, the report is based on more than 250 interviews and articles covering around 100 countries and territories. It highlights growing challenges to democracy and human rights, including the weakening of the international rules-based order, impunity in conflicts such as Gaza and Sudan, and the spread of disinformation and surveillance linked to powerful technology actors and political leaders. In the Western Balkans, the report notes that civil society operates in environments where democratic frameworks exist, but civic freedoms are unevenly implemented. Organizations and journalists increasingly face political pressure, smear campaigns, legal intimidation and funding constraints, while participation in policymaking remains limited. At the same time, civil society across the region continues to play a key role in defending democratic values, monitoring accountability and strengthening public participation. Read more here.
Source: CIVICUS
