ECNL and The Good Lobby offered valuable feedback on the European Commission’s Defense of Democracy package, emphasizing the need for a precise and narrow definition of “interest representation.” They highlighted the importance of adopting risk-based regulatory initiatives that carefully assess the impact on fundamental rights such as freedom of association, expression, and participation. The measures suggested should be proportionate responses to the identified risks, with special attention given to the civil society sector. Additionally, transparency requirements must be balanced with the right to privacy, especially for members of CSOs, operating in sensitive environments and for donors supporting causes like LGBTIQ rights and anti-corruption efforts. Read more here.
Source: ECNL