On 26 September 2025, KMOP – Social Action and Innovation Centre organised an International Consultation Meeting titled “Safeguarding Civic Space in the EU” in Vienna, bringing together experts, civil society representatives, and institutional stakeholders from across Europe.
The meeting provided an important platform to discuss the evolving challenges faced by civil society organisations (CSOs) and to explore practical solutions for strengthening democratic participation and resilience across the European Union.
A key highlight of the consultation was the panel discussion “Civic Space at a Crossroads – Threats and Resilience in Focus”, which examined the growing pressures affecting civil society, including restrictive legal frameworks, shrinking funding opportunities, political polarisation, and increasing risks for organisations working on sensitive issues such as human rights, migration, and environmental protection.
Participants also stressed the personal and organisational consequences of these pressures, including burnout, self-censorship, and reduced operational capacity, highlighting the need for stronger monitoring mechanisms and coordinated policy responses.
During the meeting, stakeholders provided targeted feedback on the development of an Early Warning Mechanism (EWM) designed to document incidents affecting civic space and identify emerging trends across EU Member States. Discussions focused on ensuring high-quality data collection, usability for civil society organisations, and the effective communication of findings to policymakers in order to support timely and evidence-based action.
By incorporating stakeholder feedback, KMOP is strengthening the mechanism as a practical tool to support civil society organisations, enhance collaboration, and promote democratic resilience across Europe.
The consultation meeting was organised in the framework of the European project Civic Champions, which aims to protect civic space and empower civil society organisations through innovative monitoring tools and policy support.
For further information, contact KMOP at [email protected]