A conference co-organized by the European Commission and the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU, held in November explored strategies to strengthen civil society and uphold fundamental rights, responding to civil society’s long-term demands. Discussions highlighted an institutional framework for civil dialogue, EU-wide monitoring, and streamlined funding access, yet concerns arose about a democracy defense directive. Over 300 NGOs caution against potential democracy threats, prompting a call for policy coherence from the European Commission. In addition, insights from a press briefing by Civil Society Europe, the European Partnership for Democracy, and Transparency International EU raised issues with the Defense of Democracy Package. The briefing highlighted legal concerns, EU law violations, and proposed the ‘Interest Representatives Act’ as a transparent alternative addressing third-country interference. Read more here.
Source: Civil Society Europe