Civil Society Europe has set out recommendations for implementing the European Democracy Shield through a whole-of-society approach that recognises civil society as an integral part of Europe’s democratic resilience. Its proposals call for civil society to be structurally represented through the Stakeholder Platform of the European Centre for Democratic Resilience and for the Centre’s work to address domestically driven threats to democracy alongside foreign interference. CSE also stresses effective implementation of EU digital and media legislation, stronger anti-SLAPP policies and protection for journalists at risk, support for independent media and civil society election observers, and closer links between the Democracy Shield and the EU Strategy for Civil Society. Funding is presented as a central condition for implementation, with calls for a strong AgoraEU programme in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, flexible operating grants and a rapid-response mechanism for human rights defenders. Read more here.
Source: Civil Society Europe