As civic space across Europe faces increasing pressure, understanding how EU law can be used to defend fundamental rights and civil society’s operating environment has become more crucial than ever. EU law provides important tools to protect fundamental rights and safeguard space for civil society, rooted in the EU’s founding values—human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, including minority rights. These principles must be upheld not only by EU institutions but also by each Member State when implementing national laws and policies. For CSOs, EU law matters in many practical ways. It applies to key aspects of their work, from registration and reporting to funding, employment, volunteer engagement, service provision, and advocacy. Understanding when a national restriction may conflict with EU law is essential for defending civic space and ensuring fundamental rights are respected in practice. Read more here.
Source: ECNL