The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights’ 2026 Civic Space Update documents widespread and intensifying pressure on civil society organisations working on fundamental rights. Three-quarters of surveyed organisations reported barriers to conducting human rights activities in 2024, while 70% believed conditions at EU level had deteriorated during the previous year. Online attacks and threats affected 67% of respondents, one in ten organisations reported physical attacks against staff or volunteers and four out of five reported psychological consequences including burnout, anxiety and depression. Funding insecurity is also deepening, with 44% experiencing an unexpected reduction, suspension or freeze in funding. Short funding cycles, restrictive foreign-funding rules, disproportionate administrative controls and compliance requirements are further limiting organisations’ ability to undertake sustained advocacy and watchdog work. FRA also documents widespread underreporting of incidents, often driven by the belief that reporting would not lead to meaningful action. Its recommendations call for consistent civic-space monitoring, national strategies to protect and empower civil society, access to diverse and sustainable funding and stronger frameworks for meaningful participation in policymaking. In their recently published analysis, Pro Publico highlights access to specialised pro bono legal assistance as part of the infrastructure needed to help organisations respond to regulatory pressure, administrative interference and litigation. Read more here.
Source: Pro Publico
