Across Europe, civil society organisations play a vital role in defending democracy, human rights and equality. From protecting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender equality, to supporting marginalised communities and holding power to account, our work turns EU values into lived realities.
At the same time, civic space is under growing pressure. Extremist politicians and anti-rights actors are increasingly targeting civil society, human rights defenders, and the EU frameworks that support them. These attacks seek to take away longstanding, hard-won rights and freedoms, often starting with women and people from marginalised communities.
The EU institutions are currently preparing the bloc’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034, determining the future of EU investments in areas like SRHR, gender equality, and support for CSOs.
In this context, the resources below highlight the indispensable role civil society plays in protecting rights, advancing equality and keeping democracy resilient. They also show what is at risk when advocacy, funding and civic space are undermined – and why continued EU leadership and support are essential.
Defending civil society means defending democracy itself — and ensuring a fairer, freer future for everyone in Europe.
Read more about what the MFF means for SRHR, gender equality and civil society funding here.
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